• "What is wrong with me using the vehicle in any errands as I serve the people of Kimilili," Barasa said.
• However, Kenya Kwanza leaders who campaigned in nearby Tongaren constituency on Wednesday dismissed the police probe as intimidation tactics.
Image: TONY WAFULA
The police have questioned Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa over the use of a government vehicle in his political campaigns.
One of the constituency's National Government Constituency Development Fund motor vehicles was found branded with UDA colours and logo.
He presented himself before the police on Tuesday evening and spent hours explaining how and why he changed the details of the four-wheel drive car.
This is after he learned he was wanted in a probe into claims of forgery and theft of a government vehicle.
Barasa was accompanied by his lawyer when he went to the Bungoma Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices at about 6pm and was grilled for two hours.
He was later released and informed he would be contacted later for processing to appear in court.
The detectives said they will send the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution with recommendations to charge the MP with forgery and other offences.
The police said according to preliminary reports, the forged number plate belonged to the MP's brother.
His photo and that of Deputy President William Ruto were also affixed on the vehicle.
Kimilili subcounty police boss Mwita Maroa said the vehicle with original registration number GK948J, was impounded in the homestead of the lawmaker at Nasianda village on Tuesday morning.
"The contingent stormed the homestead following extensive investigations and towed the vehicle to Kimilili police station, then to Bungoma before heading to Nairobi," he said.
Maroa said police acted on a tip-off from members of the public who raised complaints after seeing the vehicle in the MP's campaign rallies.
He said the vehicle had a fake number plate KBS 709D.
The police boss said it's against the law to use government vehicles for personal issues and campaign matters.
He said the lawmaker is likely to face charges of forgery, and theft of a government vehicle among other serious offences.
Barasa did not respond to our queries. His handlers said he was busy with campaigns.
However, Kenya Kwanza leaders who campaigned in nearby Tongaren constituency on Wednesday dismissed the police probe as intimidation tactics.
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula said before they arrest Barasa, they should also investigate why ODM leader Raila Odinga was using government vehicles in his campaigns.
Wetang'ula said the state should be fair to all leaders saying skewed justice will lead the country into trouble.
Mudavadi said the state had only narrowed on Barasa because he is not aligned to Azimio.
He said so many leaders in Azimio are using government vehicles for campaigns and have not been arrested.
"Let them start with recalling all those GK vehicles we are seeing in their campaign trails before narrowing on Barasa," Mudavadi said.
Speaking at the same function, Barasa said he had done nothing wrong.
He said he bought the vehicle during his tenure as MP and has always used the vehicle in serving Kimilili residents.
"What is wrong with me using the vehicle in any errands as I serve the people of Kimilili," Barasa said.
He said as the sitting MP, he has a right to use the CDF vehicle.
The legislator said he is not afraid of government intimidation and he has gotten used to political persecution.
"It doesn't matter the level of intimidation because we are sure this government is on its way out," he said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)