Nation Media Ordered to Pay Sh6.5M to Senator Mogeni and Wife Over Defamation
Nation Media Group has been ordered to pay Nyamira Senator Erick Okong’o Mogeni and his wife, Dr. Christine Atieno Ombaka, Sh6.5 million in damages after a defamatory article damaged their reputation.
Justice Asenath Ongeri delivered the judgment on Wednesday and ruled that the publication was false, malicious and lacked journalistic responsibility.
Senator Mogeni was awarded Sh3.5 million and his wife Sh3 million, with the court saying the allegations had caused “serious reputational harm” to their professional and personal lives.
Dr. Ombaka, a renowned academic and medical professional, told the court the publication had ridiculed her and eroded her standing in society. Senator Mogeni said the false claims had undermined his integrity as a public leader.
Justice Ongeri said while the media enjoys freedom of expression, that freedom is not absolute.
“The media enjoys freedom of expression, but that freedom is not absolute. It must be exercised with responsibility and regard for others,” she said.
The lawyers for the couple welcomed the ruling saying it’s a victory for truth and accountability. They said the decision should serve as a reminder to the press to prioritize accuracy and fairness.
Nation Media Group, one of the biggest media houses in Kenya, has not commented on whether they will appeal the judgment.
The case is the latest in the ongoing debate on media ethics and accountability in Kenya where courts are increasingly being called upon to determine the line between press freedom and protection of individual reputation.
While press freedom advocates argue heavy damages will stifle investigative journalism, others say such judgments are necessary to uphold professional standards in reporting.
Outside the court, Senator Mogeni said:
“This judgment has restored our dignity and set the record straight.”
For the couple, it’s the end of a long legal battle that tested their patience and reputation.
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Nation Media Ordered to Pay Sh6.5M to Senator Mogeni and Wife Over Defamation