Lugari MP Nabii Daraja Nabwera has launched a combined legal onslaught against three bloggers, seeking a total of Ksh 60 million in damages for allegedly publishing defamatory statements linking him to the death of Munyuki High School Principal, Simon Isiaho Shange.
Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari of Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, the legislator has filed three separate suits at the Milimani Commercial Courts, each demanding Ksh 20 million, bringing the cumulative claim to Ksh 60 million. The bloggers Simon Asiviela, Peter Amunga, and George Opunga are accused of publishing false and malicious content that Nabwera says has tarnished his image, incited the public, and put his family at risk.
In the court papers, Nabwera says the bloggers used social media platforms including Kakamega Post, Malava Online, Lugari Watchdog Forum, Teachers Arena, and The Great Lugari to spread posts carrying sensational and incriminating headlines such as “Vanished After Defying the MP,” “MP Nabwera Come Clean on the Death of This Teacher,” and “The Killer MP.” The MP claims the posts were calculated to paint him as a murderer and to exploit a tragedy for political mileage.
Nabwera, in his sworn affidavit, describes the late principal as a personal friend and a respected educationist, saying the online accusations were “false, malicious, and politically motivated.” He adds that the remarks triggered hostility and threats from members of the public, with some online users rallying to “occupy” and destroy his home in Lugari Constituency.
Before turning to court, Nabwera’s lawyer had issued demand letters requiring the bloggers to pull down the posts, issue apologies, and compensate the MP. When none complied, the suits were filed under certificate of urgency, asking the court to order the removal of the posts, the publication of public apologies, and an award of Ksh 20 million in damages from each of the three.
Omari argues that the bloggers’ conduct amounts to defamation and a violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes knowingly publishing false information that discredits another person’s reputation.
The lawsuits come amid heightened public debate over online accountability, with Nabwera insisting that freedom of expression cannot be used as a shield for defamation. He says the attacks have caused deep personal distress and irreparably damaged his reputation as a performing Member of Parliament.
If the court rules in his favour, the combined damages sought across the three suits would total Ksh 60 million, one of the highest defamation claims filed by a sitting MP in recent years.
