Peter Kaluma, Member of Parliament, has been awarded Ksh 11 million in a defamation lawsuit against The Nairobian, a publication of the Standard Group, over an article published in 2018. The article contained false and salacious allegations involving Kaluma and his family.
The High Court ruled in favor of the MP, ordering the media house to pay Ksh 11 million in damages, along with costs and interest. Of this amount, Ksh 10 million was awarded for the violation of the privacy of Kaluma’s two children, while Ksh 1 million was granted because the publication refused to issue an apology.
Kaluma stated in a public release, “The Nairobian wrote a false and defamatory article referring to me and my family. The High Court has ordered Standard to pay me Ksh 11,000,000 plus costs and interests for defamation in their Nairobian newspaper.”
Despite the significant payout, the MP revealed plans to appeal the court’s ruling, seeking a higher compensation that better reflects the damage done to his reputation and his family. He also intends to file another lawsuit over the continued publication of the article.
Interestingly, Kaluma has expressed his intention to donate the awarded funds to a charity of his choice once received.
The court found that The Nairobian’s article not only defamed Kaluma but also infringed upon the privacy of his children. It noted that the media house had a chance to apologize but failed to do so, a factor that contributed to the exemplary damages awarded.
“In view of the above, I find that an award of Ksh 10 million would be sufficient in light of the privacy infringement on the plaintiff’s two children, each in their individual capacity, and accounting for inflation. Failure to apologize when demanded justifies an award of damages. Therefore, exemplary damages of Ksh 1 million are awarded,” the ruling read.
This case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the legal protections available against defamation and invasion of privacy in Kenya.
