High Court orders John Githongo to pay ex-minister Chris Murungaru Ksh27 million for defamation

Blow to John Githongo after High Court orders him to pay ex-minister Ksh27 million

Mumbi Mutuko

May 2, 2019 1:44 PM

Ex-Minister gets a huge payday

Anti-corruption activist and Inuka Kenya Trust CEO John Githongo

The High Court directed anti-corruption crusader John Githongo to pay former Minister Chris Murungaru Ksh27 million for defamation.

However, the activist vowed to appeal the decision of the High Court.

Murungaru had told the High Court that his political career was killed and his reputation tarnished after being linked to the multi-billion-shilling Anglo Leasing scam.

The ex-Minister said that he had been unable to successfully get votes as a result of the report that was brought to light in November 2005 by Githongo.

Anti-corruption activist and Inuka Kenya Trust CEO John Githongo Pulse Live Kenya

Barring allegations

He had sued Githongo for the damage arguing that voters rejected him in 2007 and again in 2013 because they believe he masterminded the scandal.

According to Murungaru, his travelling abilities had been greatly affected as a result of the damning report.

Through his suit papers, Murungaru maintained his innocence saying that Githongo’s report was not only defamatory but ‘the product of his fertile, creative and artistic imagination’.

Former Minister Chris Murungaru at Milimani Law Courts Pulse Live Kenya

He wanted Githongo and his associates stopped from linking him to the scandal and he also wants him punished for libel.

Murungaru had also adversely mentioned, in his report, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, former Vice President Moody Awori and former Finance Minister David Mwiraria as the other brains behind the fraud.

Mumbi Mutuko