Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has dismissed reports claiming he paid veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka Ksh500,000 to settle an ongoing defamation case.
The reports alleged the payment led to an out-of-court agreement between the two parties.
The rumors further suggested that Machoka had accepted the settlement, forgiven Alai, and agreed to withdraw the lawsuit.
The alleged deal was portrayed as a peaceful resolution to a legal dispute that has attracted significant public attention.
Alai, however, strongly rejected the claims through social media posts. He insisted that no settlement had been reached and criticized those circulating the reports, describing them as individuals spreading false information.
The case stems from a controversial Facebook post that Machoka argues damaged his reputation.
Following the publication, the veteran radio presenter filed a Ksh60 million defamation suit against the Nairobi politician.
During court proceedings, Machoka denied allegations made against him regarding his health and mental condition.
He told the court that the publication caused emotional distress to his family and threatened his business interests.
The renowned broadcaster stated that he has spent nearly five decades building his public image and professional reputation.
According to him, his personal brand is worth about Ksh200 million and was unfairly tarnished by the remarks.
Alai has adopted a unique defense in the case, maintaining that he does not own the Facebook account in question.
He presented this position before High Court Judge Stella Mutuku during the ongoing proceedings.
His lawyers argue that the lawsuit is based on mistaken identity and that Alai has been wrongly linked to the account. They also claim the publicity surrounding the case has harmed their client’s reputation.
