Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu has emerged victorious in a defamation case against his estranged wife, Sarah Mtalii, following a highly publicised legal battle that has drawn attention in recent months.
The case revolved around claims made by Sarah Mtalii—also known as Sarah Njoki—regarding internal matters at Bonfire Adventures, which Kabu said had severely damaged both his personal reputation and business interests. The court sided with him, ruling that Sarah had overstepped her bounds and inflicted reputational harm that could not be easily reversed.
A High Court judge issued a temporary injunction preventing Sarah from circulating or referring to a controversial internal company memo dated December 2024, which was allegedly used to undermine Kabu’s standing. The ruling not only prohibited Sarah from sharing such content but also extended the restrictions to include her associates, agents, and any third-party representatives.
Sarah was also directed to delete all defamatory content already shared on various platforms and was further instructed to issue a public apology using the same platforms she had initially used to make the accusations. She was barred from using social media or any public communication channels to speak against her former husband going forward.
Kabu’s legal team presented evidence that Sarah had allegedly used the internal memo, as well as conversations from staff meetings and press briefings, to attack Kabu’s credibility. His lawyer stressed that these actions constituted a serious breach of his rights and could cause long-lasting damage if not legally addressed.
Sarah defended herself by stating that her actions were rooted in staff concerns and that her comments were not made with malicious intent. She maintained that the information shared was factual and made in the public interest. However, the court found this defence insufficient, stating that even if the information was based on internal issues, the manner and platform used to publicise it caused unjust harm.
The presiding judge noted that Kabu had made a compelling case, highlighting the urgency of protecting his dignity and the integrity of the business he had built over the years. The judge ruled that the right to freedom of expression does not extend to publicly shaming someone based on unsubstantiated or damaging claims.
Legal representatives described the decision as a firm stance in support of protecting an individual’s dignity and reputation. They also praised the judiciary for recognising that defamation is not merely a private matter but a violation of constitutional rights, particularly when it results in reputational and financial harm.
The court battle stems from a fallout between the couple that became public in late 2024, when tensions escalated following their separation. As part of the next legal steps, Kabu is now seeking compensation for the damage he claims to have suffered. The case is scheduled for mention on July 22.
Outside the courtroom, Kabu recently celebrated Father’s Day by spending time with his children and reflecting on the joys of fatherhood. He shared heartfelt letters with each of his three kids and encouraged any person raising a child of his without his knowledge to reach out so he could be present in their lives. His eldest daughter, Maurine, surprised him with a special getaway to Zanzibar in honour of the day, offering a welcome reprieve from the legal storm.
