Through her lawyer, Danstan Omari, the legislator is seeking urgent court orders to bar Barasa from repeating or publishing the alleged statements.
She maintains that the remarks were malicious and intended to damage her credibility among constituents and the wider public.
Muhanda is also asking the court to compel the governor to retract the statements and issue a public apology with equal prominence.
In addition, she wants any allegedly defamatory content already in circulation to be deleted.
Central to the suit is her demand for KSh 18 million in general damages for libel and slander.
She cites reputational harm, emotional distress, and injury to her political standing as the basis for the compensation sought.
According to court documents, Muhanda contends that the governor’s remarks have exposed her to public ridicule and undermined her ability to effectively discharge her duties as an elected leader.
She argues that such statements, made in public forums, carry significant weight and have far-reaching consequences.
The legislator further states that as a public figure, her reputation is a critical asset that must be protected from unfounded attacks.
She maintains that the alleged remarks have caused irreparable harm, affecting both her personal and professional life.
Her legal team has emphasised the need for the court to intervene promptly to prevent further damage.
They argue that failure to restrain the governor could lead to continued publication and repetition of the statements, thereby aggravating the harm already caused.
The case brings to the fore the growing concern over the use of public platforms by leaders to make statements that may be considered defamatory.
Legal experts note that while freedom of expression is protected, it must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
Muhanda’s suit is expected to test the balance between free speech and the protection of individual reputation, particularly among public officials who often engage in political exchanges.