NAIROBI, Kenya – A Kenyan court has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear a landmark case against Facebook’s parent company Meta over its alleged role in fuelling violence during Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, including the 2021 killing of a university professor.
The High Court decision clears the way for a lawsuit filed by Ethiopian nationals Abrham Meareg and Fisseha Tekle, along with Kenya’s Katiba Institute.
The case accuses Facebook of enabling the spread of hate and incitement through its algorithm.
Prof Meareg Amare Abrha, Abrham’s father and a respected chemistry lecturer at Bahir Dar University, was killed in 2021 after his personal details and inciting posts calling for his murder were published on Facebook.
Fisseha, a former Amnesty International researcher, also received death threats on the platform after reporting on atrocities during the conflict.
Meta had argued that Kenyan courts lacked jurisdiction, claiming the company is not domiciled or operating in Kenya.
The court rejected that position, affirming that it has the authority to hear the case.
This is the latest in a string of jurisdictional losses for Meta in Kenya.
In 2022 and 2023, local courts ruled that Meta could be tried in Kenyan courts over cases involving Facebook content moderators who alleged exploitation and unlawful dismissal.
The most recent ruling came from the Court of Appeal in September 2024.
The plaintiffs are seeking restitution, a formal apology, and sweeping changes to Facebook’s algorithm to curb the promotion of viral hate and violence.
They are also demanding a provisional Ksh.250 billion compensation fund for harm caused by regular posts, and an additional Ksh.50 billion for sponsored content.
The case is backed by tech justice non-profit Foxglove and argued by lawyer Mercy Mutemi of Nzili and Sumbi Advocates.
Legal analysts say the case could set a global precedent for holding Big Tech accountable in foreign jurisdictions for harm linked to its platforms.
