Oscar Sudi Sues Morara Kebaso For Defamation Over X Post

Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has taken legal action against political activist Morara Kebaso, filing a defamation lawsuit in the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Eldoret. The suit stems from an allegedly defamatory post made by Kebaso on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on December 22, 2024.

In the contentious post, Kebaso shared a photo of MP Sudi greeting a youth activist renowned from the Gen Z protests of June 2023. Accompanying the image was a caption that criticized the youth activist for associating with Sudi, suggesting that he should have started a business instead, which would have garnered “tremendous support from Kenyans.”

According to the legal filing, Sudi argues that the post implied he was involved in the deaths of young protesters (referred to as “Gen Zs”), describing him as a “heartless profiteer” who benefited financially from criminal activities. Sudi claims this has led to severe reputational damage, emotional distress, and public humiliation, impacting his standing both within his constituency and in broader political circles.

Despite sending a demand letter to Kebaso on December 28, 2024, requesting the withdrawal of the post and an apology, Sudi alleges that Kebaso not only ignored this request but further escalated the situation. On December 29, 2024, Kebaso allegedly posted, “Oscar Kipchumba Sudi wants an apology,” followed by three laughing emojis, which Sudi interprets as public mockery of his demand for justice.

The suit seeks to address what Sudi describes as Kebaso’s “malice and disdain for the truth,” aiming for both retraction of the statement and a formal apology. If Kebaso does not appear before the Eldoret court by January 31, 2025, either in person or represented by an advocate, the court has warned that proceedings may continue in his absence, potentially leading to a judgment without his defense.

This legal battle highlights the increasing tension between public figures and activists on social media platforms, where statements can quickly escalate into legal disputes.