Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has taken Nairobi MCA Robert Alai to court, demanding KSh 60 million in damages over what he describes as a defamatory Facebook post. The post allegedly accused Machoka of being HIV positive, mentally unstable, and tribalist, claims the seasoned presenter says are entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
Machoka, known widely for hosting the iconic Roga Roga show, filed the defamation suit through his lawyer, Danstan Omari. According to court documents, the statements were made on Alai’s verified Facebook account and directly tagged Machoka, leaving no doubt about the subject of the post.
The post in question read:
“@Fred Obachi Machoka OGW I feel your ethnic rage. It’s just ethnic. Your problem is the supply of ARVs, not the Presidency… Does HIV bring insanity nowadays?”
Machoka argues that the remarks are not only baseless but were made with a clear intent to harm his image as a respected public figure. In an affidavit, he strongly denied the claims, stating that he is HIV negative, has never taken ARV medication, and has never been diagnosed with any mental condition. He also denounced any claims of tribal bias, underlining his longstanding commitment to promoting unity across Kenya throughout his broadcasting career.
His legal team emphasized that speculating publicly about someone’s health without any medical basis is not just irresponsible but also legally unacceptable. They pointed out that such claims can deeply damage someone’s personal dignity and professional standing, especially when broadcast to a large audience. With more than 480,000 followers on Facebook, Machoka noted that Alai’s tagging of his name amplified the spread and impact of the false statements.
The case is expected to set a precedent in Kenya’s digital landscape, sparking renewed debate on social media conduct, the spread of misinformation, and the legal boundaries of online expression. As the matter proceeds in court, it serves as a reminder that public figures, no matter how visible, still have a right to protect their reputation from harm caused by reckless or malicious online posts.
By Risper Akinyi