A 48 hours ultimaterm has been issued to Nation Media Group over a defamatory claims against a South Sudan Official.
A demand letter on the same has been written by lawyer Conrad Maloba of Conrad Law Advocates, representing Albino Mathom Ayuel Aboug.
Dated January 20,2025 the letter indicates that NTV Kenya aired a story on the 17th January, 2025 bearing the headline “State House meeting with US lawmakers sparks concerns over past convictions”.
Further, the lawyer says on 20th January, 2025 through print media, Nation Newspaper went ahead to print a libelous article bearing the headline “PUZZLE OF RUTO MEETING WITH FORMER US PRISONER”.
He says from the onset the article states, “President William Ruto on Thursday hosted at State House, Nairobi, a delegation that included former Michigan Congressman Mark Deli Siljander, who previously served a prison sentence in the United States and South Sudanese politician Albino Mathom Aboug, who has faced scrutiny by Kenya’s anti-corruption watchdog, raising queries about the growing list of State guests with questionable past dealings.
The letter adds “………Mr. Aboug is a dual citizen of South Sudan and the US. The EACC summoned him in November, 2022 after he allegedly received money from Mr. Jirongo that was believed to have been proceeds from a controversial land deal. The former Lugari MP received Sh250 million from Nairobi County as compensation for a 2.5- acre land in Mukuru kwa Reuben in 2020, before sending Sh126 million to four individuals, including Mr. Aboug”
“The article is not only inaccurate but includes willful and misleading statements that the reporter failed to substantiate through proper fact-checking effectively maligning our client as an individual of questionable repute and involved in nefarious dealings”, the lawyer laments.
He adds that the statements found in the article and news piece are blatantly false and provided with the express intent of disparaging his client.
Under Kenyan Laws it is unlawful to engage in defamation of another’s character and reputation, the letter reads.
For avoidance of doubt, Maloba says his client is a distinguished public servant, diplomat, and entrepreneur with a stellar career that spans significant global engagements.
Our client’s extensive contributions have solidified his reputation as a respected and law-abiding leader.
However, Maloba says the recent publications by Nation media outlet have grossly misrepresented Aboug’s involvement in matters concerning a settlement between third parties being Kuza Farms and Allied Limited and the Nairobi City County, subjecting him to unwarranted public scrutiny and reputational damage.
“Your publications allege that our client benefited from a settlement between Kuza Farms and the Nairobi city County, implying involvement in illegal or unethical activities. These assertions are patently false, baseless, and defamatory”, he states.
The letters adds that Aboug was never involved in Kuza Farms Settlement, Nairobi City County, or any related entities.
It is our client’s position that the contents of the said article are designed and calculated to spread false, destructive and defamatory rumors about him. They denigrate Honourable Albino Mathom reputation and character.
Maloba demands that Nation immediately remove from all of their websites all defamatory and disparaging remarks regarding Aboug.
“Cease and desist in publishing defamatory statements about our client, whether the statements are made by you or third parties, and Offer an unconditional apology to our client”, he states in the letter.
He also wants the media house to admit liability for defaming their client.
The letter is addressed to Nation Media group Managing editor.
