&w=64&q=75)
Kenyan social media activist Mildred Atieno Owiso is facing legal action after allegedly spreading false information about the cause of death of socialite Brenda Akinyi Ochola, who passed away in Malaysia on April 25, 2023.
On April 27, Owiso posted on her Facebook account that socialite Brenda died due to drug overdose.
"Kenyan Instagram influencer Brendalicious is dead. She was allegedly transporting cocaine in her tummy to her Nigerian boyfriend who is a drug smuggler, the bag exploded that led her to an overdose at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia," Owiso's Facebook post reads in part.
READ: Governor Nyong'o faces lawsuit over controversial appointments
In response, Brenda's family is demanding that the Nairobi-based activist be arrested for defamation.
According to a letter written by the family’s lawyer, identified as O. Onyango of Shabaan Associates, the family is willing to provide more information and facilitate logistics to escalate the matter, which is causing them tension.
The letter demands immediate action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), calling for the arrest and prosecution of Ms. Owiso.
“We wish to appeal to your office for immediate action leading to the arrest and prosecution of the said person. Our client has approached us for immediate action from your good office,” the letter reads in part.
False message circulated
The family of Brenda Akinyi alleges that a false message was circulated on Mildred Owiso's Facebook page and other groups suggesting that the socialite died while dealing drugs in Malaysia.
READ: Kenya’s largest company is facing a controversial law suit and here’s why
The family's initial statement confirmed that Brenda Akinyi fell ill and was admitted to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur on April 15.
Despite the best efforts of doctors, she passed away ten days later. The family refuted claims that she was in a coma and on life support.
The family further explained that Brenda Akinyi suffered from mycoplasma pneumonia septicaemia, which led to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and multiple organ failure.