Journalist Jailed In Ksh16 Million State House Case, Governor Intervenes
Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has declared preparations to conduct a public fundraising event for a journalist who has been ordered by the court to pay Ksh 16 million to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito.
While speaking to the reporters outside his office on Wednesday, May 27, Lenku stated that the journalist and his family were unable to pay the amount.
This drove them to sell their farm in a desperate attempt to pay the fee.
However, even the quantity of parcels is insufficient to cover the fee, prompting the county administration to intercede after the journalist requested assistance.
“And today I received a report on the preparations for that Harambee event, which will take place on Friday,” Lenku stated.
“The family is ready, and different groups have already started contributing goats, sheep, and some money to help save the child.”
A young Kajiado journalist is facing a KSh16 million court award after a defamation case filed by State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito. As the family struggles to raise the money and reportedly sells land, leaders are now stepping in to help through a public fundraiser. pic.twitter.com/Vk2DHtDtcJ— PropesaTv (@PropesaTv) May 27, 2026
“We will stand with this family and this young man to show that the path taken is not in line with our traditions,” he added.
The journalist allegedly published a social media post about the state house official, which Metito termed defamatory, before seeking legal action.
A court in Ngong town then ordered the local journalist to pay Metito the amount that has since proven unable to be settled.
According to the governor, the fundraising event is scheduled for May 29.
He further asked the family to stop selling the land, stating that the county will step in, with public support, to raise funds to settle the court case.
The governor argued that the punishment imposed on the journalist violated Maasai traditions for resolving disputes between elders and young people.
However, in response to the planned fundraiser, Metito claimed that the money in question will not go directly into his pockets but will instead be deposited through the court.
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Upon receiving them, Metito said he intends to use the money to fund substantial community projects to address severe deficits in health, water supply, and basic education.
“All funds raised by Lenku and his associates on the 29th will be deposited directly with the court,” he stated in a statement on his social media platforms.
“Absolutely no portion of these funds will go to my pocket or personal benefit; the money will go entirely back to the people ‘Where it Came from’.”
“I will then designate these funds entirely to substantial community projects to address severe deficits in health, water supply, and basic education caused by nine years of Kajiado County’s administrative mismanagement,” he added.
Metito is reportedly gearing up to run for the Kajiado gubernatorial seat in 2027, as his relationship with Ole Lenku deteriorates.
Journalist Jailed In Ksh16 Million State House Case, Governor Intervenes
