Radio personality Fred Machoka denied reports that he has withdrawn the civil case he filed against Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai. He made the clarification after the court asked him to explain a photograph that has been circulating on social media. The post showed the two appearing to have lunch together and claimed that Machoka had withdrawn the case after receiving Ksh. 500,000 from Alai.
Machoka dismissed the allegations and said the matter remains active. He told the court that he approached his lawyer and went to court because he believed the judiciary offered the final protection for a citizen.
“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 defense that I have as a citizen,” he said.
Machoka told the court that after attending proceedings, he and his lawyer went for lunch at a restaurant opposite Milimani Law Courts. He said the meeting had nothing to do with any settlement of the case.
He added that he went for the meal because he had no other engagements scheduled. Machoka said the social media posts started soon after and began to affect him and his family. He told the court that he felt the online claims were distressing and that he needed help, adding that he appreciated the court’s concern over the matter.
He further stated that the posts put him in an awkward position, and he denied any role in circulating the allegations. Machoka said his only professional association is with Royal Media Services and that he knew nothing about claims that suggested 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.
Lawyer Danstan Omari, representing Machoka, told the court that claims circulating online that his client had received Ksh. 500,000 are false. He asked the court to disregard the reports, noting that the case is still pending.
“We have seen reports saying that my client has been paid 500,000 shillings. Kindly ignore that the case is before the court,” Omari submitted.
Lawyer Edward Ooge for Alai told the court that he is confident it can deliver a fair judgment. He said the matter should be decided based on the evidence before the court.
Machoka filed the civil suit against Alai over an alleged Facebook post. Machoka said the post falsely portrayed him as HIV positive and caused serious damage to his reputation, personal life, and business interests.
