Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has bought himself a multi-million chopper even as the majority of Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living.
According to sections of media reports, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) purchased a five-seat Robinson R66 helicopter valued at approximately KSh 150 million.
The second-term lawmaker was not charged tax by the Kenya Kwanza government since President William Ruto excluded chopper buyers from paying taxes to encourage more Kenyans to buy choppers.
Barasa, who was re-elected through President Ruto’s UDA party has announced plans to succeed Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka in the 2027 General Election.
“I don’t want to rush into vying for a bigger seat in 2027, I want to work harder to ensure that before the 2027 general elections, I would be ready to go for it,” he said.
The UDA MP said that nobody will be sourced from outside to come and lead as the governor.
“I have heard rumors that people are planning to come and vie for the gubernatorial position here in Bungoma that won’t work, we want someone whom we have seen his work delivery,” Barasa said.
Barasa’s move to buy the chopper comes just months after the youthful legislator was acquitted of a murder charge over a lack of sufficient evidence.
Justice Rose Ougo, of the High Court Bungoma, said the lawmaker’s pistol which the prosecution presented as the weapon used to fire the killer bullet in the head of Brian Olunga, was not directly linked to the shooting.
“According to eyewitnesses, including his main (political) opponent Brian Khaemba, the accused (Barasa) did not fire any shots. He did not use his pistol. The fragments of ammunition found at the scene of the crime did not match those used by his pistol as per the ballistic report,” said Justice Ougo.
