Sakaja Sues Standard Group, Seeks hefty amount in damages
Governor of Nairobi Johnson Sakaja has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Standard Group and activist Jerotich Seii.
Sakaja has petitioned The Nairobi High Court for Ksh1 million in damages in relation to the activist’s remarks made during an interview on The Situation Room of Spice FM.
According to Sakaja, Jerotich Seii was a guest on her programme on January 26.
During the interview, she made statements that implied he was in collusion with real estate developers to construct skyscrapers that exceeded the legally permitted height.
“On the 26th day of January 2024, the 2nd Defendant/Respondent herein, in a morning show programme dubbed “The Situation Room” that was aired by one of its radio stations by the name Spice FM, hosted the 1st Defendant as the guest speaker where alongside the programme hosts namely Mr. Eric Latiff, Ms. Ndu Okoh and Mr. Charles T Muga, went on a discourse of discussing the guest’s views about the recent unveiled Chinese Property Developers Association,” read the document.
The governor asserts that the three hosts neglected to exercise control over their guest.
According to his assessment, the sentiments have compromised his standing as a reputable citizen, as stated in Chapter Six of the Constitution, and negatively impacted his reputation.
In particular, the lawsuit cited Jerotich’s statements that purportedly implied the developers and the governor committed flagrant violations of the law.
“The community are organised, they do public participation informing the developers that you are not going to construct here and send them away somehow, these guys end up getting permission/permits that they require and finally after launching the association and going to visit the Governor Sakaja in his office, the following day all permits were issued and they are excavating as we speak,” Jerotich had stated
Moreover, the Governor, via his legal representatives, has asserted that the remarks portrayed him negatively, indicating that he is a self-centered leader who lacks concern for others.
“That the Plaintiff intentionally ignores the residents and their plight and has an “I don’t care” attitude. That the Plaintiff is a selfish leader who does not consider the plight of the Nairobians,” read the suit.
The governor formally initiated legal action against 735 developers in 2023 for constructing structures in areas such as Kilimani, Lavington, and Kileleshwa that exceeded the legally permitted four-story height restriction.
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Sakaja Sues Standard Group, Seeks hefty amount in damages
