Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Peter Kaluma, is celebrating a major legal victory after being awarded Ksh11 million in a defamation lawsuit against The Standard Group over an article published in its tabloid, The Nairobian.
Kaluma had taken the media house to court after the publication ran an article containing false and damaging allegations about him and his family. The MP argued that the story not only defamed him but also violated the privacy of his children.
In a statement shared on social media, Kaluma praised the court ruling, saying: “The Nairobian, a tabloid under The Standard Group, published a false and defamatory article about me and my family.
The High Court has now ordered them to pay me Ksh11,000,000 plus costs and interest for the defamation.”
He further noted his intention to appeal for a higher amount, arguing that the damages awarded did not fully match the harm done to his reputation and the emotional distress caused to his family.
Despite the substantial payout, Kaluma emphasized that he is pursuing additional legal action. He intends to appeal the ruling to increase the compensation and is considering filing another lawsuit regarding the continued circulation of the defamatory article.
Once the compensation is received, the MP revealed plans to donate the funds to a charity of his choice, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the community even amid personal challenges.
According to the court documents seen by Newshub.co.ke, the newspaper had published material that implicated Kaluma’s family, including his two children, infringing on their right to privacy.
The court, taking into account the impact on the children, awarded Ksh10 million for the privacy violation and an additional Ksh1 million for the media house’s refusal to apologize.
The judgment stated: “Considering that the privacy of the plaintiff’s two children was violated individually and that the publication has caused distress, an award of Ksh10 million is justified.
Furthermore, the defendant failed to apologize despite being given the opportunity, which constitutes improper conduct and grandstanding. Therefore, exemplary damages of Ksh1 million are also awarded.”
This ruling is a significant victory for Kaluma, who has consistently voiced concern over media practices that compromise personal privacy and spread false information.
The case also sets a notable precedent for privacy rights, especially concerning the protection of children from unwarranted media exposure.
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