Footballer Maruti sues Owalo over social media post

Former Harambee Stars striker Bonventure Ombira Maruti has sued ex-ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo over alleged false claims published about him in social media.

The High Court has given Owalo and eight other defendants fifteen days to file his defence in the case in which Maruti seeks compensation. Also named as defendants are the Kenya Football Welfare Association, Cape Media Limited (trading as TV47 Kenya), Abdulzack Mwangi, Fred Arocho, Joe Gidi, Kevin Teya, Kandanda Plug and Vuma Sport.

“You are hereby required, within 15 days from the date of service, to enter appearance and file a statement of defence. Should you fail to do so within the stipulated time, the plaintiff may proceed with the suit and judgment may be entered in your absence,” the court ruled.

According to court documents filed at the Milimani High Court, Owalo, who is a former adviser to President William Ruto, allegedly published the false information on his official Facebook page on January 10, 2026.

Maruti, who also runs a sports academy in Kakamega County, is seeking a permanent injunction to restrain the defendants comprising sports journalists and online publishers from further disseminating the false claims through digital platforms or media publications. 

He is also seeking general damages for mental anguish, emotional distress and psychological suffering caused by the false reports.

Maruti has previously played professional football in the United States and Sweden.

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