Siaya blogger fined Ksh.3 million for defaming top county official

Siaya Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered blogger Michael Oduor, also known as Mike Ochieng, to pay Ksh.3 million in general damages for defamation.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Jacob Mkala on Tuesday, Michael was charged with defaming Siaya County Public Service Board CEO Wilfred Nyagudi.

In addition to the fine, the court directed the blogger to pay Ksh.300,000 in exemplary damages and immediately remove all defamatory posts including memes, images, and statements from his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts.

The case stems from a libel and slander campaign allegedly conducted by Michael in early 2024, accusing the Public Service Board of employment irregularities, nepotism, and corruption.

However, in his ruling, Magistrate Mkala found that the blogger had failed to provide credible evidence to support his allegations.

The defense argued that Michael’s exposé was in the public interest, but the court dismissed the claim as legally unsubstantiated.

The court further established that the statements were made after Michael had unsuccessfully sought employment within the county government, overseen by Mr. Nyagudi.

As part of the ruling, Michael was also ordered to issue an unequivocal apology to Mr. Nyagudi through the same social media platforms where he had published the defamatory remarks.

This marks the blogger’s second defamation ruling. In March, High Court Judge David Kemei found him guilty of defaming North Uyoma Ward Member of County Assembly Booker Bonyo, and imposed a Ksh.20 million fine - a ruling that his lawyer has since appealed.