Rashid Echesa’s defamation case against Seth Panyako to be heard January 22

Echesa is seeking injunctive orders over what he terms defamatory statements made against him.

In the application, Echesa argues that statements published and broadcast by the defendants were presented as facts rather than opinion and were calculated to portray him as a murderer, arsonist, violent criminal, and a threat to public safety. 

He maintains that the allegations are defamatory as they impute the commission of serious criminal offences and have exposed him to hatred, ridicule, contempt, and public odium.

The former CS categorically denies all allegations, describing them as false, malicious, reckless, and without any factual or legal basis. He states that he has never led, commanded, or participated in any violent group or criminal activity, nor has he ever engaged in arson, homicide, or any unlawful conduct as alleged. He further asserts that no criminal charges have ever been preferred against him in relation to the claims.

Echesa also faults the YouTube channels / media houses named as the 2nd and 3rd defendants- Obinna TV accusing them of exercising full editorial and operational control over the broadcast while failing to verify the allegations, seek his response, or take down the content even after a formal demand. 

He contends that this failure renders them jointly and severally liable.

Echesa says the publications have caused him intense public ridicule, hostility, and distress, including alarming calls and messages from colleagues, family members, and members of the public. 

He adds that his reputation as a former Cabinet Secretary and current chairman of a national statutory body has been gravely damaged, eroding public confidence in his leadership and adversely affecting his ability to discharge his duties.

Through his advocates, Kimani & Company Advocates, Echesa claims that he issued a demand for retraction and an apology on December 5, 2025, but claims the defendants ignored or refused to comply, which he cites as evidence of malice and reckless disregard for the truth.

Echesa asks the court to declare the statements defamatory, issue a permanent injunction restraining further publication, compel an unqualified retraction and unconditional apology to be published on a full page of a daily newspaper, and award general and aggravated damages, as well as costs and interest.

In interim directions, the court ordered that the application be served upon the respondents and scheduled the matter for inter-partes hearing on January 22, 2026.