Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has been slapped with a Ksh10.5 million penalty after a Nairobi court found her guilty of defaming Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye.
Delivering the judgment on Monday, Milimani Commercial Court Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho ruled that Orwoba had published defamatory content on her WhatsApp status, Facebook page, and X (formerly Twitter), accusing Nyegenye of sexual harassment.
The court found that the posts were made with malicious intent and were not protected under parliamentary privilege.
As a result, Nyegenye was awarded Ksh8 million in general damages and an additional Ksh2.5 million in exemplary and aggravated damages.
The court also ordered Orwoba to issue a public apology within 30 days. Should she fail to comply, she will be required to pay an extra Ksh1 million in default damages.
An injunction was further issued, prohibiting Orwoba or any of her associates from making or sharing any more defamatory remarks against the Senate clerk.