Kenyan Whistleblower Nelson Amenya Sued in France by Businessman Linked to Ruto Over Defamation Claims
Nelson Amenya, a prominent whistleblower who exposed the controversial plan involving the Adani Group’s attempted takeover of Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), has revealed that a businessman linked to President William Ruto has filed a fresh lawsuit against him in France. The legal action follows a failed defamation suit previously filed against Amenya, who has accused the businessman of involvement in questionable healthcare insurance dealings.
The lawsuit, lodged by a billionaire alleged to be a beneficiary of the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, targets Amenya’s social media posts that implicated the businessman in corrupt practices tied to Kenya’s healthcare transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA. Amenya, speaking publicly on the matter, confirmed that the case will be heard in open court, granting public access to the proceedings.
“There is no pressure on my part. He filed a legal suit against me in France, but I’m going to ensure he suffers the most humiliating defeat of his life,” Amenya stated defiantly. He further emphasized that his legal team is well-prepared and that he remains confident despite the growing legal pressure.
The businessman had previously sought damages amounting to Ksh8 million (€60,000), citing defamation through Amenya’s posts on X (formerly Twitter). However, Judge François Hary of the French court ruled against the billionaire, determining that Amenya’s content concerned issues of public interest—specifically corruption and healthcare in Kenya—and were therefore protected under European Union freedom of expression laws.
In addition to the dismissal, the businessman was ordered to pay Ksh667,000 (€5,000) in legal fees and related costs incurred by Amenya.
A separate but related case is ongoing in Kenya, where Amenya is represented by lawyer Willis Otieno. The proceedings are also being conducted in open court, with expectations that the businessman will be cross-examined.
Amenya rose to public prominence after releasing a series of dossiers alleging corruption and irregularities involving powerful political and business figures in Kenya. He has been particularly vocal about the transition from NHIF to SHA, frequently linking the process to systemic graft.
In October 2024, the High Court of Kenya dismissed similar charges against Amenya, also ruling that the matters were of public concern and within legal bounds of free expression. However, Amenya was temporarily barred from making public statements linking Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to the Adani deal, pending a hearing on October 22.
Amenya has framed the legal battles as part of a broader fight for transparency and whistleblower protection across Africa. “They cannot plunder from us and then use the justice system to continue oppressing us,” he asserted. As court proceedings continue both in France and Kenya, the outcomes may set significant precedents for freedom of expression and the protection of whistleblowers on the continent.
Also Read: Abducted Juja MP George Koimburi Found Dumped in Coffee Plantation
Kenyan Whistleblower Nelson Amenya Sued in France by Businessman Linked to Ruto Over Defamation Claims