PHOTOS: Gloria Orwoba has been directed to compensate Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye Ksh 10.5 million for defamation

Gloria Orwoba has been directed to compensate Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye Ksh 10.5 million for defamation.

The Milimani Commercial Court determined that Orwoba's series of harmful social media posts, which accused Nyegenye of sexual harassment, were defamatory.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, July 14, Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho stated that Orwoba’s remarks published on her WhatsApp status, Facebook, and X were untrue, defamatory, libelous, and malevolent.

The court also concluded that the posts alleging sexual harassment were not shielded by parliamentary privilege and were made with malicious intent.

“The statements circulated and published by the Defendant regarding the Plaintiff are defamatory, libelous, and malicious,” the magistrate declared.

As a result, Nyegenye was awarded Ksh8 million in general damages, alongside Ksh2.5 million in exemplary and aggravated damages.

Additionally, he would receive Ksh1 million in default damages if Orwoba does not provide a public apology within 30 days on her social media channels and in a national newspaper. READ MORE

Moreover, a permanent injunction was put in place, prohibiting Orwoba or her affiliates from sharing any more defamatory remarks concerning the Clerk.

Orwoba had accused Nyegenye of making unwanted sexual advances towards her and retaliating after her rejection.

In a Facebook video referenced in court, she claimed, “Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye solicited for sexual favours from me… and upon my refusal… the retaliation began.”

However, the court found that she failed to back up her claims.

“It was her responsibility to corroborate her statements convincingly. She did not,” the magistrate pointed out.

Gloria Orwoba has been directed to compensate Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye Ksh 10.5 million for defamation.

 

The judgment indicated that Orwoba’s posts aimed to undermine Nyegenye’s career and reputation rather than pursue justice.

“Her primary objective was to have the Clerk of the Senate impeached and removed. Her wish was to insult, discredit, and damage his reputation,” the ruling indicated.

The court also criticized Orwoba’s behavior throughout the proceedings, noting she did not adhere to court directives and showed no signs of remorse.

“The Defendant’s behavior has been nonchalant. An exemplary damage award is warranted to remind her that the right to free expression must be exercised with responsibility,” the court stated. READ MORE

In his testimony, Nyegenye, represented by attorney Peter Wanyama, claimed that the allegations had inflicted profound harm on both his personal and professional life.

Furthermore, a coworker who testified in court stated that the claims were false and had inflicted significant damage to his reputation.

However, Orwoba acknowledged posting the statements and asserted that she believed them to be factual, yet the court ruled that her defenses of justification, fair comment, and qualified privilege lacked legal validity.

“No financial compensation can restore his tarnished reputation. What this court can do is mitigate the Plaintiff’s damaged image,” remarked Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho.