The Milimani Chief Magistrates Court has directed Kakamega-based blogger Simon Asiviela to publicly apologize to Lugari MP Nabii Daraja Nabwera for a series of defamatory social media posts that falsely linked the legislator to the death and disappearance of Munyuki High School Principal Simon Isiaho Shange.
The interim order, issued pending the full hearing of the case, follows an application filed by MP Nabwera through his lawyer, Danstan Omari. The court found that the posts shared on platforms including Kakamega Post, Malava Online, and Lugari Watchdog were malicious, false, and unqualified publications that severely damaged the MP’s reputation.
According to court documents, Asiviela’s posts alleged that the MP was involved in the principal’s mysterious disappearance and death. Nabwera, however, dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, saying they endangered his family and tarnished his public image.
In his affidavit, the legislator noted that the publications incited public outrage, with some individuals threatening to “occupy” and vandalize his Lugari home. His legal team sought urgent conservatory orders to restrain Asiviela from making further defamatory statements and demanded Ksh.20 million in compensation for reputational damage.
The court certified the matter as urgent, directing the blogger to issue a public apology and retract all defamatory posts immediately. The apology must be published on the same social media pages and platforms where the original content appeared.
The case highlights the growing legal risks of misinformation and defamation on social media platforms in Kenya, as courts increasingly hold online publishers accountable for spreading false and damaging claims.
