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Veteran radio host Fred Obachi Machoka has taken legal action against Nairobi MCA Robert Alai, demanding KSh 60 million in damages over what he describes as a defamatory post shared on Facebook.
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Machoka, best known for hosting the popular Roga Roga show, filed the suit through his lawyer Danstan Omari, accusing Alai of spreading harmful falsehoods. The post in question allegedly suggested Machoka is HIV positive, mentally unstable, and ethnically biased.
In the court documents, Machoka claims that Alai made the defamatory remarks on his verified Facebook page and explicitly tagged him, leaving no doubt about who the statements referred to.
Part of Alai’s post read:
“@Fred Obachi Machoka OGW I feel your ethnic rage. It’s just ethnic. Your problem is supply of ARVs not Presidency… Does HIV bring insanity nowadays?”
Machoka’s lawyer argued the statements were not only false but were intended to damage his client’s public image and career, asserting the remarks were made with “clear malice.”
“These comments are completely unfounded and have significantly harmed Mr. Machoka’s personal and professional standing,” the petition states.
In his affidavit, Machoka refuted all allegations, affirming he is HIV negative, has never used antiretroviral drugs, and has never suffered from any mental health conditions.
He also condemned the suggestion that someone could publicly declare another person’s health status without evidence, calling the statements both medically inaccurate and legally inappropriate.
Responding to accusations of tribalism, Machoka reiterated his dedication to national harmony and social cohesion.
“Throughout my broadcasting career, I have never participated in or endorsed ethnic division,” he declared.
Machoka’s legal team also cited his distinguished 47-year career in media, during which he has earned widespread respect both locally and internationally. With a substantial social media presence—over 480,000 Facebook followers—the suit argues that Alai’s tagging of Machoka ensured the post had wide reach and impact.
The matter, now before the court, raises broader issues about online defamation, digital accountability, and the need to uphold personal dignity in an increasingly connected world.
