Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara Sues Moses Kuria Over Alleged Defamation
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has filed a lawsuit against former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, accusing him of publishing defamatory statements about her on social media.
The case was lodged at the High Court in Kiambu and centres on posts shared on Mr Kuria’s X account on 3 January 2026, shortly after a funeral service in Kigumo, Murang’a. The event was attended by several senior political figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In court documents, Ms Kihara says the remarks went beyond political criticism and amounted to a personal attack intended to embarrass and discredit her. She describes the statements as false and malicious, and claims they were calculated to undermine her standing as a public leader.
The third-term legislator states in her affidavit that she had maintained a good reputation before the incident. She argues that the posts targeted her dignity as a widow, a mother, and an elected representative, and were designed to subject her to ridicule and public contempt.
The matter escalated after several online news outlets republished the claims, some presenting them as factual reports. Ms Kihara says this wider circulation intensified the damage, as the allegations reached a national audience and appeared to gain credibility through repetition.
She told the court that the fallout was immediate and severe, prompting distressing calls from constituents and colleagues. She describes the experience as shocking and deeply distressing, and says it affected both her personal and professional life.
Ms Kihara’s filing also raises concerns about the use of social media by influential political figures. She argues that Mr Kuria, given his public profile and large following, should have foreseen the impact of his posts. At the time, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association condemned the remarks, describing them as abusive and demeaning to women in leadership.
According to the suit, attempts by her lawyers to secure an apology and a retraction were unsuccessful. She is seeking a permanent injunction to stop further publication, an apology issued on the same platform, and damages for what she describes as reckless and malicious conduct. Mr Kuria has not yet responded to the case in court.
