A Nairobi court has issued a landmark ruling in a 2022 defamation case, directing blogger Edgar Obare to compensate model Bernice Nunah and Kelvin Kaume Maingi with a total of Ksh6 million and to issue a public apology.
The judgment, delivered on November 7, 2025, by Hon. Hosea Mwangi Nganga, underscores the increasing legal risks tied to publishing unverified or harmful content online.
The court awarded the two complainants Ksh4 million in general damages—Ksh2 million each—and an additional Ksh2 million in exemplary and aggravated damages, also split evenly. Obare must also retract and correct the defamatory post published on December 22, 2022, and comply with a permanent injunction preventing him from making further defamatory remarks about Nunah.
Nunah is a well-known figure in Kenya’s fashion scene, recognised for her modelling career and her rise to second runner-up at Miss World Kenya (2019–2021). She now works as an entrepreneur and content creator in luxury lifestyle and fashion.
Obare, famous for his digital exposés on Instagram, Telegram, and the BNN platform, has faced several lawsuits in the past. This ruling, however, stands out as one of the few that have resulted in a clear and costly defeat for him. Reports indicate he has since reached out to his followers for financial help as he prepares to challenge the ruling.
The case reinforces the legal consequences of online defamation and serves as a warning to digital creators.
Understanding Defamation Law in Kenya
In Kenya, defamation is handled through civil law. Although freedom of expression is protected, it does not cover statements that unfairly damage someone’s reputation. Since the High Court nullified criminal defamation in 2017, civil remedies have become the primary tool for resolving such disputes.
Defamation can be written (libel) or spoken (slander). To succeed, a claimant must prove the statement referred to them, was shared with a third party, and harmed their reputation. In libel cases, financial loss does not need to be shown.
Defences include truth, fair comment, and qualified privilege.
Online defamation also falls under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018). Section 23 makes it a criminal offence to intentionally post false information that damages a person’s reputation, carrying penalties of up to Ksh5 million or a 10-year prison term.
Overall, the ruling highlights the heavy financial and legal consequences digital publishers may face when sharing unverified allegations.
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