5 Kenyans Threaten To Sue Standard Group Over June 25 Protests Story

The lawyers also claimed that Standard Group had published exaggerated and misleading stories they termed as 'cock and bull sensationalism' purely for self-promotion, disregarding the rights of innocent citizens.

The article in question depicted the five individuals as members of a supposed state-backed network created to infiltrate and sabotage the Gen Z-led protests. It further connected them to WhatsApp groups, accused them of recruiting thugs, and alleged their involvement in various criminal activities — all without offering any solid proof.

They described how the network allegedly stretched from senior State House officials, Members of Parliament, government officials, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs), down to grassroots mobilizers within Nairobi’s informal settlements.

They also revealed claims that the National Police Service (NPS) was aware of these activities, despite earlier assurances that protesters would be kept safe during the demonstrations.

The article claimed that Careen Cherotich was working as a fund mobilizer based in the Office of the Chief of Staff, while Elizabeth Waithera was allegedly involved in coordinating activities within Nairobi County. Antonella Kakuko was portrayed as a digital “arsonist-in-chief” responsible for leading disinformation campaigns.

Additionally, Don Kamau was accused of encouraging the theft of mobile phones during the protests, and Samuel Mundia was described as a political enforcer with ties to street gangs.

Their names and photographs were published widely across Standard Group’s digital and print platforms, including X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. The five individuals argue that this exposure subjected them to ridicule, public hatred, online threats, and significant damage to their reputations.

They have issued Standard Group a 48-hour ultimatum to retract all defamatory content, including false statements, fabrications, insinuations, images, or likenesses published across any of its platforms.

In addition, the media house has been instructed to issue a public apology on all its platforms with the same prominence and intensity used to publish the original defamatory report. They are also required to permanently refrain from making any further defamatory statements or spreading false information about the individuals involved.

"Unless you comply with the terms of this demand within the next 48 hours, we are under firm instructions to launch suitable legal proceedings against you, to uphold our clients’ rights, without further reference and at your own peril as to costs and consequences," the letter concluded.

The threat of this lawsuit has reignited discussions around media accountability, particularly in reporting on politically charged events. Critics maintain that while the media has to inform the public, it must also prioritise accuracy, fairness, and responsibility, especially when identifying individuals in such grave matters.

Standard Group has not yet formally responded to the accusations or the demands presented. Should they delay or refuse, they risk a lengthy court battle that could result in substantial financial penalties, public humiliation, or potentially shake up their editorial leadership.

Neither the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), nor any other media association has issued a statement so far. However, media analysts suggest this case could set an important precedent, testing the balance between press freedom and the protection of individual reputations and personal safety.

Standard Group has won praise from members of the public in recent weeks over its hard-hitting journalism aimed at government and opposition figures who argue that some of the explosive pieces have injured their reputation and their associations.