University Student Fined Ksh.7.5M for Defaming Prophet Owuor’s Driver on Facebook.
A third-year law student from the University of Nairobi has been ordered by an Eldoret court to pay Ksh.7.5 million after being found guilty of cyber harassment under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018. The ruling followed a defamation suit filed by Benard Kagia, a driver associated with Prophet David Owuor of the Repentance and Holiness Ministry.
The case stemmed from a Facebook post made three years ago by Kevin Ndung’u Kiriga, the law student, in which he referred to Kagia as a prostitute. The court was also told that Kiriga went on to publish another online statement criticizing Kagia’s ability to provide for his family. According to court records, Kiriga had accused the driver of infidelity—a claim that led to the breakdown of Kagia’s marriage.
Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan ruled that the statements shared on social media by the student were indeed defamatory. In his judgment, Mikoyan emphasized the need for responsible behavior on digital platforms, warning that defamatory content published online carries serious legal consequences.
Kagia, who filed the libel suit after being offended by the damaging and harmful remarks, was awarded Ksh.7.5 million in compensation. The court recognized the emotional and personal damage inflicted upon him as a result of the posts.
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Following the court’s decision, Kiriga expressed dismay over the penalty, stating he was financially incapable of paying such a large sum. He told the court that he did not own any property or assets that could be sold to settle the compensation as ordered.
“I don’t have anything in my name,” Kiriga said. “I’m just a student trying to get by.”
The matter is scheduled to return to court on May 28, 2025, for further direction. Meanwhile, the ruling serves as a stern reminder about the legal weight carried by statements made on social media platforms.
University Student Fined Ksh.7.5M for Defaming Prophet Owuor’s Driver on Facebook.