By Andrew Kariuki

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has told the High Court that he does not own or operate any Facebook account, distancing himself from a page at the centre of a defamation lawsuit filed by veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka.

Appearing before Justice Stella Mutuku at the Milimani High Court on Wednesday, Alai maintained that while he has accounts on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), he does not own a Facebook account under his name or any other alias.

The MCA told the court that he joined TikTok in 2026 and opened his X account in 2025, insisting that the Facebook account accused of publishing defamatory content does not belong to him.

“My Lady, I neither own nor operate any Facebook account under the name Robert Alai,” he told the court.

However, under questioning, Alai acknowledged that he had not produced any evidence before the court to support his claim that the Facebook account was not his.

The case was filed by renowned media personality Fred Machoka, who accuses Alai of publishing statements on Facebook that allegedly damaged his reputation and standing in society.

Machoka, a veteran broadcaster with a career spanning more than five decades, told the court that the publication had far-reaching consequences on both his personal and professional life.

According to Machoka, he began his career in 1972 in the Kenya Police Force before transitioning into broadcasting at the then Voice of Kenya (VOK), later building a distinguished media career that has seen him receive numerous local and international honours, including recognition from the Media Council of Kenya and a Head of State Commendation.

The broadcaster testified that the publication in question falsely suggested that he was HIV positive, allegations he said had the potential to damage his reputation as a respected media personality, businessman and family man.

Machoka told the court that his profile extends beyond broadcasting, noting that he hosts major international events and is involved in various business ventures, including hospitality enterprises.

He argued that such allegations could negatively affect public confidence in him and undermine both his professional engagements and business interests.

Responding to Alai’s denial, Machoka maintained that the Facebook account belongs to the MCA, insisting that supporting documentation had been obtained linking the page to the defendant.

“We have documents that connect these pages to the person we are suing,” the court heard.

Machoka’s legal team further indicated that, beyond screenshots of the disputed posts, they had gathered additional material which they believe authenticates the ownership of the account and links it directly to Alai.

During the proceedings, Alai also told the court that he had never met Machoka and only became aware of him after the lawsuit was filed.

In a surprising claim, the MCA argued that the ongoing court proceedings had caused greater reputational harm to him than the alleged publication had caused to the plaintiff.

The court also heard that Alai had previously faced charges relating to publication of false information under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act in 2020, although he was later acquitted.

The matter is expected to proceed as the court determines whether the disputed Facebook account can be linked to Alai and whether the statements complained of were defamatory.