Court fines Student 7.5m for defamation on Facebook

This case raises critical questions about digital rights, responsible
online speech, and fair legal penalties. While defamation laws protect
individuals, a KSh 7.5M fine for a student seems excessive and may set a
worrying precedent.

Digital literacy is essential to help users understand the consequences of
online statements, but courts must also ensure that penalties are
proportionate. Should alternative remedies—such as structured compensation
or public corrections—be considered in cases involving young individuals?

Balancing accountability and fairness is key to fostering responsible
digital discourse without imposing undue burdens. As internet governance
evolves, justice must remain accessible and reasonable for all.

My 2 cents

Twahir

On Wed, May 28, 2025 at 3:29 PM Innocent Muteshi via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Not really it’s okay it serves as a good lesson to those who love defaming
> people aimlessly.
>
> On Wed, May 28, 2025, 10:41 AM Mwendwa Kivuva via KICTANet <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Is this defamation judgement excessive?
>>
>> A third-year law student at the University of Nairobi, Kevin Ndung’u, has
>> been ordered by an Eldoret court to pay KSh 7.5 million in damages for
>> defaming Benard Kagia, the driver of Prophet David Owuor of the Repentance
>> and Holiness Ministry. The defamation case arose after Ndung’u made
>> Facebook posts accusing Kagia of infidelity and claiming he could not take
>> care of his family, which reportedly led to the breakdown of Kagia’s
>> marriage.
>>
>> Kagia filed a libel case, arguing the comments were harmful and
>> defamatory. Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan ruled in Kagia’s favor, stating
>> that the statements were indeed defamatory and emphasizing the serious
>> legal consequences of making such remarks online. Ndung’u protested the
>> hefty fine, telling the court he had no assets or property to pay the
>> amount ordered. The matter is set for further directions on May 28, 2025.
>>
>>
>> nation.africa/kenya/counties/uasin-gishu/uon-student-sh7-5m-fine-for-defaming-prophet-owuor-driver-5059120
>>
>> Best Regards
>> ______________________
>> Mwendwa Kivuva
>> www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva
>>