(NDIMA/IFEX) – According to NDIMA, the publishers and editors of a Nairobi weekly journal, “The Dispatch”, have been restrained from publishing defamatory words against two government Ministers, Musalia Mudavadi and Chrisanthus Okemo. The temporary injunction was issued by Judge Mbogholi Msagha following an application by the Ministers. Both suits were filed separately by Wetang’ula and […]
(NDIMA/IFEX) – According to NDIMA, the publishers and editors of a Nairobi
weekly journal, “The Dispatch”, have been restrained from publishing
defamatory words against two government Ministers, Musalia Mudavadi and
Chrisanthus Okemo. The temporary injunction was issued by Judge Mbogholi
Msagha following an application by the Ministers.
Both suits were filed separately by Wetang’ula and Company Advocates at the
Law Courts in Nairobi. The Ministers alleged they were defamed in articles
that appeared in the journal, and they are demanding damages and costs. The
Ministers named Seronga Communications Services and George Wamalwa, editor
of “The Dispatch” as defendants.
When issuing the temporary injunction, Judge Msagha ordered that the
defendants be served with the suit. The court also directed that it be heard
interpartes on 4 May 1998.
Mudavadi argues that the articles in the journal were published in a
sensational manner. He says the defendants contemptuously ignored his
warnings not to write, print or publish further offending libelous
articles. The lawyers argue that demand and notices have been issued to the
defendants but they have refused to apologize or make good his claim.
Minister Okemo also wants an injunction to be issued against the defendants,
restraining them from publishing or causing to be published defamatory
words. He argued that they have allegedly been portrayed as criminals.
Okemo said the journal portrayed him as guilty of sabotage geared at looting
public funds. He added that the publication showed him as dishonorable and
being engaged in dishonest and corrupt practices.
Mudavadi says it portrayed him as engaging in dishonest and dishonorable
conduct, as being unfit to be a leader or Member of Parliament or Minister,
and unfit to associate with reputable members of the public.
