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Siaya Governor James Orengo on Wednesday, March 29, was sued by Grace Moraa, the mother of former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
Moraa accused Orengo of defamatory remarks the governor allegedly made while attending an Azimio political rally in Gusii Stadium on February 17, 2023.
Through her lawyers, Manyonge and Wanyama advocates, Ongwae’s mother told the court that remarks made by Orengo injured her reputation.
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Siaya governor James Orengo during burial of Barack Otieno Oduor on October 28, 2022
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James Orengo
Moraa in her petition disclosed that before the lawsuit, the Siaya governor was given adequate time to issue an apology of equal prominence but he failed to do so.
“Orengo referred to me as an incapable mother of raising a person deserving a position of such high stature.
“This statement by Orengo has significantly damaged my reputation and made me a target of derision, odium, suspicion, opprobrium and mockery from the general public,” Moraa stated in her petition.
She told the court that after Orengo’s remarks, her good standing amongst family members and residents of Kisii County had been ruined.
“Orengo infringed my right to human dignity by making crude, false and defamatory statements that painted me in a negative light,” she lamented.
Moraa alluded that James Orengo was bitter with her because her son had dumped Azimio to join Kenya Kwanza which is headed by President William Ruto.
Moraa listed a plethora of demands she wanted to be met due to Orengo’s alleged injurious statement.
She pleaded with the court that the Governor pays her general damages for slander, aggravated and exemplary damages, order for the defendant to offer and publish an apology of the same magnitude.
Moraa further pleaded with the court to serve Orengo with a permanent injunction and his agents from making other defamatory remarks.
Defamation in Kenyan Constitution under Article 35 is defined as making false accusations that can injure the reputation of someone or destroy the image of a brand.
Defamation can be in the form of slander (verbal accusations) and libel (written or printed accusations).
Siaya Governor, Senior Counsel James Orengo giving his submissions at the Supreme Court on August 31, 2022
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