Orengo to pay ex-Kisii governor's mother Sh1 million for defamation
Nyanza
By
Eric Abuga
| Apr 16, 2024
Kisii Law Courts has ordered Siaya Governor James Orengo to pay former Kisii Governor Jame Ongwae's mother Grace Moraa Ongwae, Sh1 million for defamation.
The court further ordered Orengo to issue a public apology to 94-year-old Moraa.
In the petition, she argued that "Orengo, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/nyanza/article/2001469908/james-ongwaes-mother-sues-orengo-for-defamation">aware that Kisii County is Raila< Odinga's bedrock, deliberately made derogatory remarks to invoke ridicule, mockery, and suspicion, because Moraa's son, James Ongwae, who is a well-known public figure had at the time-shifted from Azimio to the Government side"
READ MORE
Ruto secures 16 helicopters from US amid aging fleet concerns
China says it detained person accused of collecting secrets for Britain
First group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots complete basic training in UK
Step up campaigns to end violence that stalks our women and girls
Calls for education and empowerment of girls as 16 days of activism begin
Activists opt for online campaign to push government's action on teenage pregnancy
How women judges, magistrates are backing the fight against gender-based violence
Moraa told the court that Orengo's statement was delivered with recklessness.
"Through the reckless utterances of the defendant, my reputation has been injured, disparaged, and lowered in the eyes of the general public and right-thinking members of the society," she said.
She claimed that Governor ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/nyanza/article/2001469908/james-ongwaes-mother-sues-orengo-for-defamation">Orengo had refused to offer< an apology.
Moraa had sought general damages for slander, aggravated and exemplary damages, an order for Orengo to offer and publish an apology of the same magnitude, and a permanent injunction on the Governor or his agents from further making defamatory remarks against her.
In his Judgment on Monday, Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai ordered Orengo to pay Moraa Sh500,000 for general damages, exemplary damage of Sh300,000, aggravated damages of Sh200,000, and costs of the suit.
The magistrate also ordered Orengo to publish and upload a clear apology of equal prominence with equal national coverage within 60 days from the date of his Judgment.