The High Court has extended interim orders in the defamation case filed by media veteran Fred Obachi Machoka against Nairobi MCA Robert Alai, after Alai failed to comply by filing his response on time.
Appearing before Lady Justice Stella Mutuku, the case was scheduled for mention to confirm compliance and take directions on an application filed on June 9, 2025 by Machoka’s lawyer Danstan Omari.
Despite prior directions, Alai had not filed his response by the required deadline, prompting the Court to allow the interim orders to remain in force.
Alai’s Lawyer Edward Oonge apologized to court saying it was his oversight because he thought he had filed the responses but just realized he had done so.
Oonge asked for time saying since Obachi has interim orders, there is no prejudice he will suffer if they get another date.
Lawyer Omari for Obachi did not object but suggested that they instead go straight to the main suit instead of the notice of motion.
Oonge did not object to that but the court issued a mention date when both parties will confirm to court how they have decided to proceed with the case.
Justice Mutuku gave Alai a final opportunity to file and serve his responses by 11:00am today, with the Applicant at liberty to file a further affidavit in reply.
The matter will be mentioned on September 2, 2025, for parties to present a compromise or for the Court to give directions on how the Application and entire suit will proceed
