Kisii County Governor Simba Arati was slapped with a three-day ultimatum after allegedly uttering defamatory remarks directed at an MCA.
In a demand letter seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Rigoma MCA Nyambega Gisesa asked the governor to retract his words and issue an apology within the stipulated time or face legal action.
According to the MCA, Arati who was addressing boda riders on April 5 made malicious remarks that the residents associated with him hence tainting his name.
"As you delivered that speech, people were heard shouting from the crowd “Nyambega Gisesa” whenever you referred to the MCA from Nyamira, and you did not do anything to dissuade them, in essence implicitly agreeing with them," read part of the letter.
In the speech, Arati stated that an MCA from Nyamira was inciting Keroka Town residents to fight due to the ongoing boundary dispute.
Although the Governor did not mention Gisesa by name, the residents concluded it was him leading to this demand letter.
In the letter, Gisesa's lawyers accused Arati of painting the MCA as adulterous, unfaithful, a thug, corrupt and exploitative.
In another instance, Arati who was speaking in Nairobi on March 16 stated that Gisesa was fanning violence in Keroka.
"You are the Governor of Kisii and your words have a greater impact than those of ordinary citizens, hence the damage to our client's reputation has been extensive," read part of the letter.
Following the demand letter, Arati was required to retract his allegations by publishing an apology in two newspapers of nationwide circulation. He was also required to acknowledge defaming the MCA.
Finally, Simba Arati was asked to refrain from and cease publishing any further defamatory content either explicitly or by innuendo against Gisesa.
"Take note that should the conditions above not be met within three days, our strict instructions are to institute appropriate proceedings against you for recovery of damages and other reliefs with no further reference to you, and at your own risk as to costs and incidentals thereto," read part of the letter.
Notably, Gisesa had earlier filed a case against Kisii County for collecting taxes from Keroka Town which he claimed was part of Rigoma Ward in Nyamira County despite a court ruling blocking the first-term governor or any of his officers within his administration from collecting revenue from the area.
