NAIROBI, Kenya — Radio personality Fred Machoka has told the court that he has not withdrawn a civil defamation case he filed against Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai, dismissing social media claims suggesting the matter had been settled.
Machoka made the clarification after the court raised concerns over a photograph circulating online showing him and Alai having lunch together, alongside claims that he had allegedly received Ksh500,000 to drop the case.
Addressing the court, Machoka said the reports were false and misleading, insisting that the case remains active and pending before the court.
“Your Honour, I am depressed because when I felt aggrieved, I approached my lawyer to take this issue to court because I believe the court is the last line of defence that I have as a citizen,” he said.
Machoka explained that the widely shared photograph was taken after a court session, when he and his lawyer went for lunch at a restaurant near the Milimani Law Courts, stressing that the meeting had no connection to any settlement discussions.
“After we left court, we went for lunch because I did not have anything else scheduled. Then I started seeing all sorts of things being posted. They are depressing me and affecting my family,” he told the court. “I just need help. I am glad the court is also concerned about the matter.”
He further denied any role in circulating or endorsing claims that the dispute had been resolved, saying the online narrative had placed him in an uncomfortable position.
Machoka also clarified that he is professionally affiliated with Royal Media Services and dismissed suggestions that he had engaged in any private settlement outside legal channels.
“I am only attached to Royal Media Services, and they are professionals who handle matters as they should be handled. I do not know anything else beyond that,” he said.
Machoka’s lawyer, Danstan Omari, also urged the court to disregard the social media reports, terming them false and misleading.3.
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“We have seen reports saying that my client has been paid 500,000 shillings. Kindly ignore that; the case is before the court,” he submitted.
On his part, lawyer Edward Ooge, representing Alai, told the court he was confident that the matter would be resolved fairly through judicial determination.
Machoka filed the suit against Alai over an alleged Facebook post which he claims falsely portrayed him as HIV positive, an allegation he says damaged his reputation, personal life, and business interests.
