Nelson Amenya, the man who blew the whistle following the controversial plan by Adani Group to take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has revealed that a businessman linked to President William Ruto has filed a lawsuit against him in France.
The billionaire businessman, who is also believed to be among the beneficiaries of the new health scheme, the Social Health Authority (SHA), filed the case against him after failing to win a defamation case he had earlier lodged against the vocal activist.
Amenya, who rose to prominence after releasing a series of dossiers implicating the businessman in alleged questionable healthcare insurance deals, stated that he is ready to face the matter head-on.
He confirmed that the case will be heard in an open court, allowing the public to follow the proceedings and understand the allegations and counterclaims being presented.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Amenya expressed confidence in his legal representation and vowed not to be intimidated, stating that his legal team is well-prepared to defend him.
''There is no pressure on my part. He filed a legal suit against me in France, but I’m going to ensure he suffers the most humiliating defeat of his life," Amenya declared.
He added that in a separate case currently ongoing in Kenya, his lawyer, Willis Otieno, is representing him, and the matter is also expected to proceed in open court, with the businessman likely to be cross-examined.
Amenya concluded by asserting that his legal battles will set a precedent for whistleblowers across Africa, saying, ''They cannot plunder from us and then use the justice system to continue oppressing us.''
The businessman had sued Amenya, claiming that a series of social media posts involving contracts under the controversial transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) defamed him and his businesses.
The businessman sought Ksh8 million (€60,000) in damages and legal fees, but the French court judge Francois Hary ruled that Amenya's posts on X, formerly Twitter, were based on matters that are part of public debate and interest, particularly graft and healthcare in Kenya, and hence are protected by European Union laws on freedom of expression.
The billionaire was also ordered to pay Ksh667,000 (€5,000) for legal bills and other costs incurred defending the suit against the France-based activist.
In October last year, similar suits were filed before the High Court in Kenya, where the judge also dismissed the charges against Amenya, ruling that the matters levelled against him were in the public domain.
Since blasting into the limelight, Amenya has consistently been vocal about the controversial deals, often name-dropping top politicians and businessmen, linking them to unlawful activities alleged to have been involved in the negotiations.
On October 15, Amenya received a court order barring him from publishing any information linking Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to the Adani deal until a petition filed by the Senator was heard in court on October 22.
