MP Nabwera sues Savula over defamation claims

Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Daraja Nabwera has sued Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Angatia Savula over alleged defamatory remarks touching on his health status and performance as a legislator.

In a petition filed in Court, Nabwera accused the Deputy Governor of making false, malicious and defamatory statements during a burial ceremony held on November 25, 2025, within Lugari Constituency.

According to court documents, Savula allegedly told mourners that schools in Lugari were failing because the MP was “sick and living with HIV.”

Nabwera said the remarks were untrue, insensitive and a violation of his constitutional rights to dignity, privacy and reputation.

Through his lawyer Danstan Omari, the MP argued that the statements were made without provocation and were politically motivated, aimed at maligning him ahead of the next general election.

Omari said that the remarks have since spread widely on social media and public forums, triggering political tension within the constituency and damaging Nabwera’s personal, family and professional reputation.

Nabwera is now seeking several orders from the court, including a directive compelling Savula to issue an unequivocal public apology and retraction, an injunction restraining the Deputy Governor and his associates from making further defamatory statements and Sh100 million in damages for reputational harm.

In a supporting affidavit, the MP said a demand letter dated January 14, 2026 was served upon the Deputy Governor seeking an apology and retraction, but no response was received.

He argued that medical information whether factual or not should not be used as a political weapon.

Nabwera asked the court to certify the matter as urgent, warning that continued public utterances risk inflaming political tensions and destabilizing the constituency.

Savula is yet to respond to the claims.