MP Oscar Sudi sues activist Morara Kebaso for defamation
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi (left) and political activist Morara Kebaso.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has sued political activist Morara Kebaso for defamation. The MP accuses him of defaming him on X (formerly Twitter).
In a suit filed at the Chief Magistrates Court in Eldoret, Mr Sudi alleges that Mr Kebaso posted words that were inflammatory and defamatory towards him on December 22, 2024.
In the post, Mr Kebaso uploaded a photo showing the MP greeting a youth activist who rose to fame during the Gen Z protests in June last year.
In the caption of the photo, Mr Kebaso criticised the activist for engaging with Mr Sudi and wondered why the young activist did not start a business as he would have received "tremendous support from Kenyans."
According to the Kapseret legislator, the post in its natural and ordinary meaning was understood by members of the public to mean that he is complicit in the killing of 'Gen Zs' is a "heartless profiteer who benefited financially from criminal activities".
Since the post, the MP claims he has suffered immeasurable harm including severe reputational damage as a respected MP, emotional distress and public humiliation, particularly among constituents and peers. He claims the tweet has also affected his personal and professional friendships.
Further, he alleges that the post portrayed him as unworthy of public office and unfit to represent Kapseret Constituency.
Demand for an apology
The Kapseret legislator further states that despite sending a demand letter to Mr Kebaso on December 28, 2024, asking him to withdraw the post and apologise, the young lawyer “blatantly ignored, rendering the present suit necessary”.
In the suit, Mr Sudi pointed out that the defendant's "malice and disdain for the truth" became more apparent on December 29, 2024, instead of apologising, he doubled down on his defamatory conduct by posting on his social media handle:
"Oscar Kipchumba Sudi wants an apology", accompanied by three laughing emojis, which the MP reckons is a public mockery of his legitimate demands for justice.
Mr Kebaso has until January 31, 2025, to appear before the court in Eldoret either in person or through his advocate.
“Should you fail to appear within the time mentioned above, the plaintiff may proceed with the suit and judgment may be given in your absence,” the court directed.
