High Court throws out DP Ruto’s petition suit against Boniface Mwangi

Dennis Tarus

November 1, 2016 5:26 PM

The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Deputy President William Ruto seeking to prosecute controversial rights activist Boniface Mwangi over his social media posts.

The two have been involved in a legal tussle after Boniface in a tweet linked Ruto with the death of businessman Jacob Juma.

Boniface had also called Ruto a land grabber after the attempt to hive off Langata Road Primary’s playground for Weston Hotel’s parking space.

The hotel’s ownership is linked to the Deputy President.

Libel damages

Last month, Ruto through his lawyer Kioko Kilukumi, filed the suit seeking damages for libel from Mwangi.

Ruto wanted the court to compel the activist to delete the message, posted on September 28, and publish a public apology.

The Deputy President also wanted the activist to be barred from ever publishing or posting on social media any defamatory material against him.

In a counter-claim, Mwangi said his posts were fair comment and justified.

He argued the DP ought to absorb public scrutiny since he was a public officer and that he had been mentioned in matters that raised doubts about his reputation.

The court papers filed by Mwangi contended that DP had no reputation to claim.

Last week, Mwangi demanded that Ruto’s wealth be disclosed.

Through his lawyer, Gitobu Imanyara, Mwangi asked for Mr Ruto’s wealth declaration forms from 2013 when he was elected as Deputy President to be disclosed.

Dennis Tarus