Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has filed a KSh 60 million defamation lawsuit against former blogger and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, accusing him of publishing false and malicious statements on Facebook that allegedly damaged his reputation.
Machoka, famous for hosting the iconic Roga Roga show, filed the suit through his lawyer Danstan Omari. He claims Alai’s post falsely accused him of being HIV positive, mentally unstable, and ethnically biased, allegations Machoka says are not only untrue but also meant to smear his name publicly.
The controversial Facebook post appeared on Alai’s verified page and tagged Machoka’s official profile. It read in part:
“@Fred Obachi Machoka OGW I feel your ethnic rage. It’s just ethnic. Your problem is supply of ARVs not Presidency… Does HIV bring insanity nowadays?”
Omari argues the post directly and deliberately targeted Machoka, leaving no ambiguity about who it referred to. He insists the remarks were defamatory, harmful, and crafted with intent to tarnish the broadcaster’s long-standing public image.
“The assertions made by the defendant are entirely baseless, defamatory, and damaging to our client’s long-standing reputation as a respected media personality,” the petition reads.
In a sworn affidavit, Machoka strongly denied the claims. He affirmed that he is HIV negative, has never used antiretroviral drugs, and has never been diagnosed with any mental health condition. He also condemned the statement as not only medically unfounded but also legally irresponsible.
Machoka further dismissed the accusation of tribalism, highlighting his unwavering commitment to national unity throughout his 47-year media career.
“I have never engaged in or promoted any form of ethnic-based discourse in my decades-long media career,” he stated.
His legal team emphasized that Machoka’s broadcasting legacy, recognized both locally and abroad, is built on integrity, professionalism, and service. With over 480,000 Facebook followers, the suit notes, the damage from Alai’s post was magnified by its reach and visibility.
