A public media invite to a deemed necessary debate has been made following the fate declaration by court that anti-corruption crusader John Githongo should pay former Cabinet minister Chris Murungaru Ksh.27 million for defamation in the Anglo Leasing scandal.
The High Court award of Ksh. 27 million as damages for defamation against John Githongo has raised questions about the role of the Judiciary in protecting the freedom of expression and the protection of whistleblowers in Kenya.
Jill Ghai: We are assuming that John Githongo will appeal and a different outcome will come. #ProtectOurWhistleblowers #KOT
— frida maskani (@fridamaskani) May 17, 2019
The suit was as a result of and came from the political fallout from, Anglo Leasing scandal that came to light in 2006 whereby Githongo played a key role in bringing public attention about the scandal.
That John Githongo was unable to substantiate his graft claims against Chris Murungaru left the courts with no option except ruling against the activist . #UnderminingJudiciary
— Amolo Abigael (@Amolo13) May 17, 2019
A section of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) comprising of Transparency International Kenya, The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), Kenya Human Rights Commission(KHRC), INUKA Kenya, International Commission for juries(ICJ), The Kenya Tuitakayo Movement(KTM) together with interested lawyers have organised a public forum to discuss the said suit and chart a way forward.
Among the panellists will be Mr. Kwame Owino, Executive Director Institute of economic affairs(IEA), Mr. Wachira Maina, an advocate of the High Court, prof Kibe Mungai( Advocate) Mr. Samuel Kimeu(Executive Director TI Kenya) and Christine Nkonge, Advocate Katiba Institute joined by discussants Hon Martha Karua and Prof Kivutha Kibwana among others.
Martha Karua:If John Githongo was pushed out of government by those events and the fact that the center of #Angloleasing was at the Office of the President it does not make sense how the court ruled. #ProtectOurWhistleblowers
— Ni Sisi! (@nisisikenya) May 17, 2019
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Githongo said he is “disappointed though not surprised by the judgement,” adding that he would appeal the decision.
“I am disappointed though unsurprised by the judgement that has emerged from the High Court with regard to the Anglo-Leasing defamation matter…. The matter has drudged through the courts for 13 years and been heard by different judges. It is my plan to appeal this judgement as vigorously as possible,” he said in a statement.