Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - The High Court has awarded Nyamira Senator Okong’o Mogeni and his wife, Lady Justice Jacqueline Mogeni, a total of Ksh6.5 million in a defamation suit against Nation Media Group.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Janet Mulwa on Monday,
found that a 2021 article titled “Lawmaker Pushes Wife’s Hiring as Judge”
unfairly portrayed the couple.
The publication alleged that Senator Mogeni, then chair of
the Senate’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, improperly influenced his
wife’s judicial appointment by coaching her and providing access to interview
questions.
The court ruled that the article was defamatory, reckless
and malicious, damaging the reputations of both the Senator and the High Court
judge.
The couple’s legal team argued that the claims were false
and injurious, seeking an apology, damages and an injunction against future
defamatory content.
Justice Mulwa emphasized that while media freedom is
protected under the Constitution, it must be exercised with responsibility and
respect for individual reputations.
The court awarded Senator Mogeni Ksh5 million in general
damages, Lady Justice Mogeni Ksh500,000, and an additional Ksh1 million in
exemplary damages.
Nation Media Group was also ordered to cover the cost of the
suit, with interest accruing until full payment is made.
It remains unclear whether the media house will appeal the
decision.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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