Media legend Fred Obachi Machokaa is taking legal action against Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, demanding KSh 60 million in damages. The broadcaster accuses Alai of publishing false and damaging claims about his health on social media, particularly alleging he is HIV positive—a statement Machokaa strongly denies.
Highlights
- Machokaa filed the defamation case in court on June 10, 2025.
- Alai allegedly claimed Machokaa is HIV positive and mentally unstable.
- The veteran journalist says the statements harmed his reputation and career.
- He is seeking KSh 60M in compensation and a public apology.
- The claims were made on Alai’s Facebook post dated May 3, 2025.
Main Story
Fred Obachi Machokaa, a celebrated media figure in Kenya, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Nairobi politician and blogger Robert Alai. The case stems from a Facebook post Alai made on May 3, 2025, in which he claimed Machokaa was HIV positive and mentally unstable. Machokaa says the accusations are baseless and malicious.
In his petition, Machokaa is asking the court for KSh 60 million in damages, an official apology, and a permanent injunction barring Alai from making further defamatory remarks about him. He also wants the court to compel Alai to retract his statements in a manner as public as the original post.
Machokaa, who has built a respected media career over nearly five decades, argues that the false claims have significantly damaged his public image. With over 470,000 social media followers and numerous endorsements, he says Alai’s statements could lead to loss of trust, followers, and commercial partnerships.
Before moving to court, Machokaa issued a demand letter through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, giving Alai 48 hours to retract and apologise. Alai did not respond, prompting the legal suit. Machokaa insists that while public figures are subject to scrutiny, spreading falsehoods under the guise of opinion should have consequences.
As courts weigh in on digital speech and personal dignity, Machokaa’s case may just redefine how far is too far online
