Court bars Ex-LSK President Nelson Havi from defaming Danstan Omari on social media

The former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has been barred by the High Court from making any defamatory statements regarding prominent lawyer Danstan Omari.

The orders come after Havi accused Omari of conspiring with a High Court Judge to manipulate court outcomes, a charge that Omari denied.

Justice Janer Mulwa, who certified the matter as urgent, ruled that Havi refrain from making any more defamatory statements on social media or any other public platform.

The court order explicitly prohibits Havi, and those acting on his behalf, from publishing or facilitating the publication of any defamatory content about Omari.

“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, an injunction does issue restraining the defendant(Nelson Havi), whether directly or through his agents, servants, or other persons acting at his behest or under his instructions, from posting, publishing, or disseminating, or facilitating the posting, publication, or dissemination of the words or images.,” Ordered Justice Mulwa.

The dispute developed after Havi made repeated posts on his verified social media platforms accusing Omari of corrupt conduct involving his interactions with a Judge in the Milimani High Court Commercial and Tax Division.

The court heard that Havi’s posts included allegations that Omari has never lost a commercial or tax division issue before the Judge due to suspicious activities.

Omari’s legal team has asked that Havi publicly withdraw the allegations and give an unequivocal apology in a national newspaper.

Omari’s lawyers contend that the posts were intended to damage his reputation and dissuade clients from seeking his legal services.

In his petition, Omari argued that Havi’s actions were not mere lapses in judgment but a deliberate campaign to tarnish his name.

The hearing of the case will be on January 27, 2025.