Embattled former Governor Mike Sonko now seeks out-of-court settlement in a case where Interior PS Karanja Kibicho sued him for defamation.
Kibicho's lawyer Fred Ngatia told Justice Msagha Mbongoli that he has received a proposal by Sonko’s lawyer Evans Ondieki to settle the matter out of court.
"I have received a proposal from Ondieki for a possible settlement. We ask that we come back on June 8 for settlement," Ngatia said.
According to court documents, on January 24, while addressing a public rally in Dagoreti South, Sonko falsely stated and published words that Kibicho has got associations with an individual or individuals involved in land grabbing.
The High Court later issued orders barring the former Nairobi Governor from uttering any defamatory words against Kibicho in relation to land grabbing and criminal activities allegations.
Judge Justice Msagha issued the order after Kibicho, through lawyer Fred Ngatia, filed a case in court saying that the false utterances by Sonko had damaged his character and reputation.
Kibicho says Sonko did not even bother to ascertain whether his words were factually correct before making such statements.
"Sonko published the words being fully aware that they were false and with reckless disregard on the impact the words would have had against me," he says.
The PS says as a result, his reputation, character and credibility has been damaged.
"Sonko's sole purpose is to tarnish my reputation and to divert public attention from the unfolding situations as the former Nairobi Governor," he said.
Mentioning date to record possible out-of-the court settlement is set for June 29.
