Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has filed a defamation suit against Nairobi Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, seeking KSh 60 million in damages over a Facebook post that allegedly accused him of being HIV positive, mentally unwell, and ethnically biased.
Machoka, known across Kenya for his decades-long radio career and the popular Roga Roga show, filed the suit through his lawyer, Danstan Omari. The petition alleges that Alai published false and defamatory remarks on his verified Facebook account, tagging Machoka’s official profile and making statements that directly attacked his character and public image.
The contentious post read in part:
“@Fred Obachi Machoka OGW I feel your ethnic rage. It’s just ethnic. Your problem is supply of ARVs not Presidency… Does HIV bring insanity nowadays?”
According to the court documents, the post was not only public but also deliberate in its targeting of Machoka, leading to reputational harm and emotional distress. “The assertions made by the defendant are entirely baseless, defamatory, and damaging to our client’s long-standing reputation as a respected media personality,” reads part of the petition.
In a sworn affidavit, Machoka refuted the claims, stating he is HIV negative, has never used antiretroviral drugs, and has never been diagnosed with any mental condition. He criticized the post as medically inaccurate and ethically irresponsible, adding that such speculative statements about someone’s health status are both harmful and unlawful.
On accusations of tribalism, Machoka strongly defended his record, saying he has consistently promoted national unity and inclusivity throughout his 47-year media career. “I have never engaged in or promoted any form of ethnic-based discourse in my decades-long media career,” he stated.
His legal team emphasized that with over 480,000 Facebook followers, the reach of Alai’s post was significant, potentially causing lasting damage to his reputation.
The case, now pending before the courts, is expected to stir national debate on online defamation, responsible social media use, and the legal protections available to public figures in the digital era.
Written By Rodney Mbua
