This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On March 13, 2018, Vincent Mabatuk, a former journalist at Standard Media Group, made a post on social media that would change his life forever. He was ordered to pay Sh8 million for publishing a defamatory statement against his former boss, Alex Kiprotich, on Facebook.
According to a 14-page judgement by Nakuru Chief Magistrate Josephat Kalo, Mabatuk was ordered to pay Kiprotich a sum of Sh6 million in general damages and Sh2 million in aggravated damages. The court found that Mabatuk's post had caused significant harm to Kiprotich's reputation and had injured his occupation and professionalism.
As per the court papers, the publication was malicious, oppressive, and meant to injure, disparage, and lower the esteem with which right-thinking members of local and international society regarded Kiprotich. The court ruled that Kiprotich's reputation suffered a great deal and took a plunge from the lofty position he once held.
Mabatuk failed to honor court summons despite service, and the court entered a judgement against him. The case was filed through lawyer Kipkoech Ng'etich, who represented Kiprotich in the defamation case.
Published on May 21, 2020, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible social media use and the consequences of publishing defamatory content.
