By Bonface Mulyungi

Radio personality Fred Machoka has told the court that he has not withdrawn the civil case he filed against Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai.

Machoka’s clarification came after the court sought an explanation regarding a photograph circulating on social media showing the parties having lunch together. 

The post accompanying the photograph claimed that Machoka had withdrawn the case after allegedly receiving Ksh.500,000 from Alai.

Addressing the court, Machoka dismissed the claims, saying the matter remains active 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 after attending court, he and his lawyer went for lunch at a restaurant opposite the Milimani Law Courts and that the meeting had no connection to any settlement of the case.

“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. I just need help. I am glad the court is also concerned about the matter,” he told the court.

He further stated that the social media posts had placed him in an awkward position and denied any involvement in the circulation of the claims.

Machoka added that his only professional association is with Royal Media Services and that he knows nothing about the allegations suggesting that the matter had been settled.

“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.

Lawyer Danstan Omari, representing Machoka, confirmed to the court that what people are creating is false.

“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 

Lawyer Edward Ooge for Alai told the court that he is confident that the court has the ability to render a fair judgment.

Machoka sued Alai over an alleged Facebook post, which he says falsely portrayed him as HIV positive and caused serious damage to his reputation, personal life and business interests.