Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has vowed not to honour the EACC summon linking him to claims of bribery.
Speaking on Sunday after reports of the EACC summon emerged, Barasa stated that the matter in question is purely a civil matter and not criminal.
During a press conference on Sunday, the MP claimed a former gubernatorial candidate is behind his tiff saying it is after they disagreed on a repayment of debt that the said former gubernatorial candidate came up with bribery allegations to link him to wrongdoing.
According to the MP, he loaned the said former candidate Sh4 million for campaigns, an amount he claims has not been repaid to date.
“I borrowed Sh2 million from the former candidate as a soft loan. When the time came for payment, I reminded the candidate that ‘you borrowed Sh4 million from me during the campaigns and you have not paid’. That is the disagreement that made me not pay,” Barasa claimed.
The MP claimed the former candidate took him to the DCI and the case was dismissed as the matter was purely a civil matter and not criminal.
Barasa claimed the same person moved to EACC where a complaint was filed and he was issued with the first summon
“I told the EACC that I would not honour the summon because EACC cannot be used as a debt collection centre. If I have not honoured the financial obligation it is because of the disagreement between me and the person,” he stated.
Barasa claimed the accusation later changed and he was told that he was wanted over claims of corruption.
“I have to tell EACC that ‘ you have a serious mandate as per our constitution’. You have no role to play in assisting the said person to recover the loan advanced to me as loan. You have documents indicating why the loan was wired to my account. Let the person go to civil court and we will meet there,” Barasa said.
“I will not honour your summon because you have no jurisdiction over the matter.”
In a letter dated August 21, EACC asked Barasa that he should appear before them on Tuesday, August 27 for statement recording.
The Commission stated that it is investigating bribery allegations made against him.
According to the agency, this is a second chance being accorded to the MP.
"The Commission accords you a second opportunity to come and respond to the allegations of bribery made against you. To this end, you are required to appear at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's offices at Integrity Centre, Nairobi on 27th August 2024 at 9:00 am," a letter by EACC seen by the Star reads.
EACC also warned him against failing to honour the summon.
"Please note that, if you do not turn up to respond to these allegations, this inquiry will proceed to its conclusion, and appropriate recommendations made without further reference to you," it states.
"Our officers will be available to receive you and record your statement."
