Showdown Looms As Minnie Kariuki Countersues Michelle Ntalami

Minnie Kariuki, a cast member and actress of the Real Housewives of Nairobi reality TV show, has filed a counter-lawsuit against beauty entrepreneur and Marini Naturals Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michelle Ntalami.

In court documents seen by Viral Tea, Kariuki is demanding a 'cease and desist' of alleged defamatory statements issued towards her by Ntalami, despite Ntalami issuing a public statement claiming Kariuki subjected her to cyberbullying as well as uttering false, malicious words about her.

Kariuki, through her legal team, emphasised that she did not receive proper notice or legal documents from Ntalami despite her publicly claiming the contrary.

Minnie Kariuki posing for a photo taken on June 15, 2023. /GEORGE RAY PICTURES.INSTAGRAM

"That as of the date of this letter, our client has not and never has been formally or otherwise served with any court papers related to any lawsuit filed by you.

"That your public statements suggesting legal action against our client without serving her with proper notice or legal documents are both inaccurate and defamatory," the documents read in part.

Kariuki also complained that Ntalami's claims had damaged her brand reputation which she relies on for her daily income and that her actions have serious adverse effects on the actress's career and work prospects.

"That your actions have serious legal consequences for yourself, including but not limited to reputational damage and legal liability for defamation. That our client's reputation shall not be tarnished at the behest of your clout-chasing.

"That without delving into the merits of your claim which is absurd, our client maintains that you attended the inaugural event at Windsor Golf Club wherein you gave a speech and voluntarily had a chopper ride from Karen to The Tribe Hotel-Village Market where the filming occurred in full glare of cameras. That indeed, you are not being cast in Season 2 of the show is a bitter pill, your tantrums which regrettably amount to libel is an actionable tort! We invite you to seek independent legal advice on your heinous actions," she added.

As a result, Kariuki is demanding that Ntalami immediately cease and desist from making any further false or defamatory statements about her, whether on social media or any other platform.

She also wants the beautypreneur to unconditionally and publicly retract her previous statements and refrain from any further attempts to tarnish her reputation.

Furthermore, Kariuki is seeking Ksh3 million in general damages for defaming her, warning that if Ntalami initiated legal proceedings against her, her legal team was under instructions to receive the same and demand that she formally serves her with all court documents as required by the applicable laws and regulations.

"Be advised that we are prepared to strenuously and vigorously defend our client's interests in any legal action that may be taken.

"TAKE NOTICE, unless our client's demand are met within three (3) days we are under firm instructions to take legal action against you including instituting a suit for damages at your own peril as to costs and other consequences thereof," the legal team warned.

Kariuki was dragged in the lawsuit Ntalami filed against D&R Studios and South African pay TV provider M-Net, with Ntalami accusing her of wanton bullying and insults which forced her to seek legal redress.

Ntalami is yet to officially respond to the counter-lawsuit by the time of publishing this story.

Michelle Ntalami posing for a photo taken on September 18, 2023. /INSTAGRAM.MICHELLE NTALAMI