Veteran radio personality Fred Machoka has told the court that he has not withdrawn the defamation case he filed against Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, dismissing social media claims that the matter had been settled.
The issue arose after a photograph circulated online showing Machoka, Alai and their lawyers having lunch together after a court session. Accompanying posts alleged that Machoka had withdrawn the case after receiving KSh500,000 from Alai.
Seeking to set the record straight, Machoka told the court that the case remains active and that the claims circulating online are false.
“Your Honour, I am depressed because when I felt aggrieved, I approached my lawyer to take this issue to court because I believe the court is the last line of defence that I have as a citizen,” Machoka said.
He explained that after attending court, he and his lawyer went for lunch at a restaurant opposite the Milimani Law Courts and that the meeting had nothing to do with any settlement negotiations.
“After we left court, we went for lunch because I did not have anything else scheduled. Then I started seeing all sorts of things being posted. They are depressing me and affecting my family. I just need help. I am glad the court is also concerned about the matter,” he told the court.
Machoka said the social media reports had placed him in an uncomfortable position and stressed that he had no involvement in the publication or circulation of the claims.
He further told the court that his only professional affiliation is with Royal Media Services and denied any knowledge of allegations suggesting the dispute had been resolved.
“I am only attached to Royal Media Services, and they are professionals who handle matters as they should be handled. I do not know anything else beyond that,” he said.
His lawyer, Danstan Omari, also addressed the issue, urging the court to disregard reports alleging that Machoka had been paid KSh500,000 to withdraw the case.
“We have seen reports saying that my client has been paid KSh500,000. Kindly ignore that. The case is still before the court,” Omari submitted.
On his part, lawyer Edward Oonge, appearing for Alai, expressed confidence in the court’s ability to determine the dispute fairly and impartially.
The matter remains pending before the court for further directions.
