Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has initiated legal action against both the Standard Group and activist Jerotich Seii, citing alleged defamation.
In a formal submission to The Nairobi High Court, Sakaja is seeking damages amounting to Ksh100 million, prompted by remarks made by Seii during an interview on Spice FM’s The Situation Room.
Sakaja contends that during the broadcast on January 26, Jerotich Seii insinuated collusion between him and real estate developers to erect high-rise buildings surpassing the legally permitted height limits.
The document filed states, “On the 26th of January 2024, the 2nd Defendant/Respondent hosted the 1st Defendant as a guest speaker on a morning show programme titled “The Situation Room,” aired by Spice FM. Alongside programme hosts Mr. Eric Latiff, Ms. Ndu Okoh, and Mr. Charles T Muga, they discussed the guest’s views regarding the recently established Chinese Property Developers Association.”
Sakaja emphasizes that the hosts of the show failed to moderate their guest effectively, resulting in detrimental implications for his reputation and standing as a respected citizen, as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The lawsuit specifically cites comments from Jerotich that suggest the Governor and developers knowingly violated the law.
Jerotich had remarked, “The community is organized; they engage in public participation to inform developers that they cannot construct here, leading to developers somehow acquiring the necessary permits. After launching the association and meeting Governor Sakaja in his office, the next day, all permits were issued, and construction began immediately.”
Moreover, Sakaja’s legal team contends that such remarks depict him unfavorably, portraying him as a self-serving leader indifferent to the concerns of Nairobi residents.
The lawsuit states, “The Plaintiff is depicted as willfully disregarding the residents and their concerns, displaying an ‘I don’t care’ attitude. It paints the Plaintiff as a self-centered leader unconcerned with the welfare of Nairobians.”
Additionally, it’s noted that in 2023, the Governor took legal action against 735 developers for erecting buildings exceeding the legally permitted 4-floor limit in areas such as Kilimani, Lavington, and Kileleshwa.
