A defamation case involving former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and lawyer Lucy Momanyi took a dramatic turn at the Milimani High Court, with Sonko standing by his past remarks and insisting they were both truthful and made in good faith.
While being cross-examined on Monday, Sonko told the court that his controversial comments, among them referring to Momanyi as a thief during a televised interview were based on what he genuinely believed at the time.
“I spoke openly during the morning show. Everything I said reflected what I believed to be true,” he said, referencing his 2014 appearance on KTN’s Morning Express.
Sonko did not deny making the statements. Instead, he maintained that he had evidence to back them up and even presented documents during the live broadcast.
“I called Lucy a thief, and I have evidence to support that claim,” he told the court.
The case stems from that television interview, which Momanyi argues was defamatory and harmed her professional standing as an advocate.
She has sued Sonko, accusing him of making false and damaging allegations before a national audience.
In his defence, Sonko linked his remarks to earlier events, including a newspaper article published on March 31, 2014.
He claimed the article portrayed him negatively, with allegations that he was a thief and questions surrounding his acquittal in a fraud case in Mombasa.
“I was invited to respond to those claims and give my side of the story,” he said.
He further told the court that his televised comments were a response to those allegations and part of a broader dispute involving the estate of the late James Simon Bellhouse, where Momanyi had served as a co-administrator.
Bellhouse’s widow had sought access to what she claims is a contested will, allegedly held by Momanyi.
According to her testimony to investigators, the document contains irregularities, including claims that the lawyer named herself as both co-wife and beneficiary, assertions the widow strongly disputes.
She has also questioned the authenticity of the will, stating that her late husband did not properly execute it.
Sonko claimed disagreements arose during the administration of the estate, particularly over properties he believed had not been disclosed in the will.
“I was not an executor of the estate. I had concerns about the will and sought clarification from the plaintiff, but my requests went unanswered,” he said.
He also told the court that the deceased’s widow had lodged complaints with the Law Society of Kenya and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, some of which later appeared in the media.
According to Sonko, the widow also reported alleged threats, prompting him to advise her to report the matter to the police.
However, he admitted that he himself did not record a statement with authorities.
He further acknowledged that, to his knowledge, Momanyi has never been charged with theft.
The court also heard that Momanyi was not present during the proceedings due to illness and was in Mombasa at the time.
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