Kenyatta-Owned Brookside Files a Defamation Suit Against Nyali MP Mohamed Ali

A milk processing company linked to President Kenyatta’s family has sued Nyali MP Mohamed Ali seeking compensation for alleged economic and commercial harm to its business.

Brookside Dairy Limited accuses the first-time MP of inciting the public against it, citing his remarks on March 3rd at a public rally in Nyeri town where he claimed that the company exploits farmers by buying raw milk for Sh20 and reselling it at Sh120 after processing.

 “Uhuru Kenyatta comes here, he buys milk at Sh20, he goes and boils it and then sells it back to you at Sh120,” Ali was quoted as saying in court papers.

Brookside wants the court to issue a permanent injunction barring MP Ali from advocating public hatred against it and be compelled to respect its rights and reputation and compensate it for the alleged harm and loss he has caused, according to Nation.

“The statement meant that the company exploits the dairy farmers who sell and supply milk to it as raw material for its business. The said statement also meant that the company subjects farmers or suppliers to unfair treatment,” Brookside says in its petition.

“The statement was meant to and did cause economic or commercial harm to the company and its business.” 

The milk processor argues that Ali violated its constitutional right to a good reputation by advocating public hatred against it and vilifying its products.

In an affidavit, Brookside secretary Jacob Ombongi termed the MP’s remarks as false and malicious.

“The actions of the respondent were aimed at turning away or inciting resentment or hatred against the petitioner or its products by consumers of its processed products, its suppliers of raw milk and the public generally,” Ombongi stated.