NAIROBI, Kenya — Veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka has told the court that the defamation case he filed against Robert Alai remains active, dismissing claims circulating on social media that the dispute had been settled out of court.
The issue arose after a photograph showing Machoka, Alai, and their lawyers sharing a meal after a court session was widely circulated online. Posts accompanying the image alleged that Machoka had withdrawn the case after receiving Sh500,000 from Alai.
Appearing before the court, Machoka firmly denied the claims and said the reports had caused him and his family considerable distress.
Machoka rejects settlement claims
“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,” Machoka told the court.
He explained that after attending court proceedings, 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 discussions.
“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 said.
Machoka maintained that he had no involvement in the creation or circulation of the online claims and emphasized that the case had not been withdrawn.
Lawyer urges court to disregard reports
Machoka’s advocate, Danstan Omari, also addressed the court and urged it to disregard reports suggesting that his client had accepted Sh500,000 to abandon the suit.
“We have seen reports saying that my client has been paid Sh500,000. Kindly ignore that. The case is still before the court,” Omari submitted.
Machoka further stated that his only professional affiliation is with Royal Media Services and denied any knowledge of claims suggesting the dispute had been resolved through unofficial channels.
“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 told the court.
Alai’s lawyer expresses confidence in the court
On behalf of Alai, advocate Edward Oonge told the court that he had confidence in the judicial process and its ability to determine the dispute fairly.
The court did not make a determination on the settlement claims during the session, with the matter remaining pending for further directions.
The case continues to attract public attention due to the prominence of both parties and the broader debate around defamation, social media discourse, and reputational rights.
For now, Machoka has made it clear that no settlement has been reached and that the lawsuit against Alai remains before the court.
