By: Rhoda Bogeta
Kakamega Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera has moved to the High Court seeking damages ,KSh 100 milliom for defamation against Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula over remarks he claims were false and injurious to his reputation.
In pleadings filed before the court by his lawyer Danstan Omari,Nabwera accuses Savula of making public statements that allegedly portrayed him as living with HIV, assertions he says are untrue, malicious and intended to demean him both personally and politically.
The MP says the remarks were made in a public forum and later circulated widely, exposing him to ridicule, stigma and intense public speculation.
He argues that the statements have caused him emotional distress and risk undermining his standing and credibility as an elected leader.
As part of the reliefs sought, Nabwera is asking the court to order a medically supervised HIV test to be conducted openly in the presence of independent health professionals and members of the media.
.He says the request is aimed at conclusively clearing his name and bringing to an end what he terms deliberate and malicious misinformation.
The legislator maintains that the dispute goes beyond a personal grievance, arguing that public officials should not weaponise sensitive health issues for political attacks.
He contends that such conduct fuels stigma and violates principles of dignity, responsibility and ethical leadership.
Savula is yet to file a response to the suit.
The court is expected to issue directions on the matter, including timelines for responses and whether it will entertain the specific remedies sought by the petitioner.
