Wetang’ula Gives The Standard 48 Hours to Retract Defamatory Story
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a strong demand to The Standard newspaper over what he describes as a false and damaging publication.
In a formal letter from his lawyers, he has given the media house 48 hours to publish an unconditional apology on its front page and retract the story titled “Broad Based Family.”
The piece, which appeared on the front page alongside his photo, suggested that several public officials owe their positions to family connections with him.
Wetang’ula’s legal team firmly rejected these claims, noting that only his brother, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, is actually related to him. “Our instructions are to demand... that you tender an unconditional written apology to our Client at the top page of the next issue of Standard Newspaper,” the letter stated.
They emphasized that Wanyonyi won his seat through elections and belongs to a different party, while stressing that no other mentioned officials were appointed due to any family ties. The Speaker’s office itself employs no relatives, according to the statement.
The lawyers accused the publication of failing to verify facts and engaging in irresponsible journalism that portrays Wetang’ula as practicing nepotism. They argued the story has caused him significant harm, including public ridicule locally and internationally, along with anxiety and trauma. The demand includes removing the online version, admitting liability, and stopping any further similar content.
If The Standard does not comply within the given timeframe, Wetang’ula’s team warned they will pursue full legal action. This latest development highlights ongoing tensions between public figures and the media in the country, as leaders seek to protect their reputations while the press exercises its role in public discourse.
