By Andrew Kariuki
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has come under scrutiny after launching a blistering attack on journalists covering court proceedings, describing them as “hungry dogs” and accusing them of demanding bribes from litigants in exchange for fair coverage.
Alai made the remarks shortly after appearing at the Milimani Law Courts, where he is defending himself in a defamation case filed by veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka.
In a social media post that quickly attracted attention online, the outspoken MCA accused court reporters of deliberately publishing negative stories about litigants who fail to give them money.
“Journalists in court are a bunch of hungry dogs,” Alai wrote.
“If you are a litigant in court and you don’t bribe them, they will write anything negative about your case and misedit your videos to force you to buy them ‘lunch’ next time.”
Alai went further and singled out journalists based at Milimani Law Courts, claiming they were among the worst offenders.
“The worst ones are based at Milimani Law Courts. I hope that they will also quote this tweet as actively as they quote all others,” he said.
The remarks came just hours after the MCA appeared before High Court Judge Stella Mutuku in a case where he denied owning a Facebook account allegedly used to publish defamatory statements against Machoka.
During the proceedings, Alai maintained that he only operates accounts on X and TikTok and disowned the Facebook account at the centre of the dispute.
His latest comments are likely to reignite debate over his long-standing confrontational relationship with sections of the media, with critics questioning why an elected leader would choose to publicly attack journalists covering matters of public interest.
The comments also raise questions about Alai’s view of the press, coming at a time when journalists continue to face increasing pressure, intimidation and hostility while carrying out their duties.
The defamation case filed by Machoka remains before the High Court for hearing and determination.
