BUNGOMA,Kenya,July, 30 – The official launch of a tuition block at Lurare Baptsit Primary School in Kimilili constituency turned chaotic after area member of parliament Didmus Barasa assaulted a local contractor demanding payment for services rendered.
Barasa, who was slapped with a Sh3.4 million unpaid bill by the contractor despite numerous attempts to have him clear it.
He was seen on camera becoming aggressive towards the contractor who stood firm that the launch would not commence until he was paid.
The project was commissioned by the National Government Constituency Development Fund.
The victim, Stephen Masinde, alias Steve Kay, told Shahidi News that alongside his partner Ronald Graham Wafula,they constructed,renovated the five classrooms at a cost of Sh3.4 million and despite making various formal attempts to have him settle the bill, the MP has allegedly been avoiding them until today.
“You all saw what he did, he slapped me in front of people and all I was doing was demanding what i rightfully mine. I will report him to police and hopefully the courts will give us justice. ” said Maside.
Masinde further told Shahidi News that before he began work on renovating the classrooms, the Mp requested for his services terming it as,”an emergency,” and that he would pay them in three weeks after completion of the project.
“The MP received the first batch of eleven million shillings two weeks ago from the national government, he did not pay us, he received the second batch of 15 million he did not pay as after paying the others contractors now he has received another another 33 million he has paid close to twenty four million and when we ask for our pay he takes us round in circles,”he said.
Ronald Wafula, who is the co-contractor said that the MP has been insulting them during phone conversations accusing them of, “disturbing him,”
“Instead of paying us, he is slapping us, we have worked and we are not being paid, how can he say he is launching this project and that he is the one who renovated it yet he is not paying the contractors?” posed Wafula.
The scuffle initially broke out after the contractors locked the classrooms denying the MP access and the matter was resolved.
“I have suffered great personal cost, my car a Subaru has been taken by auctioneers whom I borrowed money from to complete this work,” Said Masinde.
Journalists were also injured during the incident.
The school head teacher Joel Wamechi said the school has been operating under dilapidated structures for years.
“We are happy with the work that the contractors have done and we know this class will enable our pupils to perform well while learning,” he said.
Attempts to reach MP Barasa for a comment proved futile.
Masinde reported the incident at the Kimilili police station under OB number OB 30/30/2021.
Bungoma county commisoner Samuel Kimiti said that police are investigating the matter.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
