Politician Strikes Back: Simba Arati Hit With Defamation Demand
Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has been given a three-day deadline to respond to accusations of making defamatory comments aimed at an MCA.
In a demand letter obtained by Gossipa2z.com, Nyambega Gisesa, the Rigoma MCA, has requested the governor to withdraw his statements and issue an apology within the specified timeframe, or else legal consequences will ensue.
The MCA reported that during her speech to boda riders on April 5th, Arati made derogatory comments about residents, thereby damaging his reputation in the eyes of the public.
“As you delivered that speech, people were heard shouting from the crowd “Nyambega Gisesa” whenever you referred to the MCA from Nyamira, and you did not do anything to dissuade them, in essence implicitly agreeing with them,” read part of the letter.
During her speech, Arati mentioned that a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) representing Nyamira was encouraging residents of Keroka Town to engage in conflict over the current boundary disagreement.
Even though the Governor didn’t directly refer to Gisesa, the locals inferred his involvement, prompting the issuance of this demand letter.
In the correspondence, Gisesa’s legal representatives alleged that Arati depicted the MCA as being involved in adultery, infidelity, thuggery, corruption, and exploitation.
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During another occasion, Arati, addressing a gathering in Nairobi on March 16, claimed that Gisesa was inciting violence in Keroka.
“You are the Governor of Kisii and your words have a greater impact than those of ordinary citizens, hence the damage to our client’s reputation has been extensive,” read part of the letter.
After receiving the demand letter, Arati must retract his accusations by issuing an apology in two nationally circulated newspapers. Additionally, he must admit to defaming the MCA.
In conclusion, Simba Arati was instructed to stop and abstain from disseminating any more slanderous material, whether directly or indirectly, about Gisesa.
“Take note that should the conditions above not be met within three days, our strict instructions are to institute appropriate proceedings against you for recovery of damages and other reliefs with no further reference to you, and at your own risk as to costs and incidentals thereto,” read part of the letter.
Previously, Gisesa initiated legal action against Kisii County for imposing taxes on Keroka Town. He contends that Keroka Town is within Rigoma Ward, Nyamira County. This action comes despite a court order prohibiting the first-term governor and his administration from collecting revenue from the area.
Politician Strikes Back: Simba Arati Hit With Defamation Demand