Prominent Kenyan lawyer Cliff Ombeta has spoken out after the High Court ordered blogger Edgar Obare to pay Sh6 million in damages to model Bernice Nunah and another complainant in a defamation case arising from a 2022 exposé.
The lawsuit stemmed from Obare’s publication alleging that Nunah was involved in an affair with the husband of former KTN anchor Zubeidah Kananu. Despite Obare’s insistence that he submitted adequate evidence in court to support the claims, the judge ruled in favour of Nunah and her co-plaintiff.
Court Awards Sh6 Million in Damages
In the verdict, the court granted:
- Sh4 million in general damages
- Sh2 million in exemplary and aggravated damages
- A permanent injunction preventing Obare from publishing any further defamatory content about the plaintiffs.
The ruling dealt a significant blow to the blogger, who now faces the legal obligation to settle the amount as the case progresses through potential appeals.
Cliff Ombeta: “Pay First, Appeal Later”
Reacting to the judgment, lawyer Cliff Ombeta advised Obare to comply with the court’s directive and settle the damages before taking any further legal steps.
“Ndugu. Lipa alafu, you appeal. What and how… is under the water now. Civil jail is not a good idea,” Ombeta posted on X.
His remarks were interpreted as a warning that delaying payment or defying the order could expose Obare to more severe consequences, including civil jail.
What This Means for Obare
The ruling adds to the growing list of high-profile legal battles involving the blogger, who is known for publishing celebrity exposés and investigative content on social media.
Legal analysts note that complying with the order gives Obare room to file an appeal while avoiding additional penalties or enforcement actions from the court.
