Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai denies owning Facebook account linked to Machoka defamation case

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai denies owning Facebook account linked to Machoka defamation case

Machoka maintains that the alleged defamatory statement damaged his standing as a respected broadcaster, businessman and family man. He further argues that the controversy adversely affected business interests he values at more than Sh200 million.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has denied being behind a Facebook account that allegedly published defamatory remarks about veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka.
He told a Nairobi court that he had no Facebook presence at the time the disputed post appeared online.
Appearing before Justice Stella Mutuku, Alai distanced himself from the account, despite it bearing his name, insisting that he neither owned nor operated it when the publication in question was made.
"I did not have a Facebook account at that time, and I cannot be linked to the publication," Alai told the court.
The MCA further testified that he barely knew Machoka and had never met or interacted with him before the alleged post surfaced.
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"I knew very little about Machoka and had no personal dealings with him," he said.
However, Machoka's legal team challenged Alai's assertions, arguing that the politician's testimony was inconsistent with previous court cases involving content published through Facebook accounts associated with him.
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui, representing the veteran media personality, told the court that Alai was attempting to avoid responsibility for the publication.
According to court filings, the contested post allegedly pointed to Machoka's health. The celebrated radio presenter testified that the publication caused him immense emotional anguish and exposed him to ridicule among members of the public.
"The publication caused me great distress and tarnished my reputation," Machoka told the court.
Machoka maintains that the alleged defamatory statement damaged his standing as a respected broadcaster, businessman and family man. He further argues that the controversy adversely affected business interests he values at more than Sh200 million.
The case is continuing before the High Court as both sides seek to prove their respective claims over the authorship and impact of the disputed publication.
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