Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera has filed a defamation suit against Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, accusing him of making false and malicious statements alleging that the MP is living with HIV and linking him to the death of a school principal.
The suit was filed at the Milimani High Court through city lawyer Danstan Omari, with Nabwera seeking KSh 100 million in general and aggravated damages.
In his court papers, Nabwera accuses Savula of falsely alleging, during a public address at a funeral in Likuyani, Lugari Sub-county, that the MP was suffering from HIV and was responsible for the death of Principal Munyuki Simon Isiaho Shange. He maintains that the statements were reckless, defamatory, and calculated to injure his personal dignity, political standing, and family reputation.
According to Nabwera, the remarks were made in a public setting and widely heard, exposing him and his family to ridicule, stigma, and public contempt. He argues that the allegations have caused immense emotional distress and irreparable damage to his reputation as an elected leader.
The MP further contends that the statements were politically motivated, claiming they stem from heightened political rivalry following what he describes as his strong development track record over the past three years. He alleges that his performance has unsettled political opponents, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, whom he accuses of using Savula as a proxy to advance political attacks against him.
Nabwera, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Western MPs Caucus, told the court that despite the alleged smear campaign, he remains focused on delivering development for his constituents and will not be distracted by what he termed as “political propaganda and character assassination.”
He is seeking, among other remedies, a declaration that the statements were defamatory, an award of damages, and costs of the suit.
The matter is yet to be scheduled for hearing.