Kenyan Woman Takes Legal Action Against Prophet Over Witchcraft Accusations
A US-based Kenyan woman has taken legal action seeking compensation of Sh6 million from a prophet whom she accuses of defaming her by labelling her as a witch during a preaching session.
Mwanzia, represented by her lawyer Samuel Ochieng, is seeking compensation amounting to Sh6 million for alleged defamation during a broadcast on the GAM channel. The legal application, filed at the Milimani Commercial Court, asserts that Prophet Owusu labelled Mwanzia as a witch, making damaging remarks during a YouTube broadcast on July 22, 2023. According to court documents, Owusu informed Mwanzia's sister during the program that she was not only extremely wicked but had exchanged lives with her.
The documents quote Owusu saying, "Your sister Adella is very evil, she is occultic. She is living your life. You were supposed to be in the US, and she was supposed to be here. She swapped your life. She does meditation, she is not a Buddhist, she is a witch."
Mwanzia contends that these statements were intended to depict her as an outcast who uses witchcraft to accumulate wealth. Court documents claim that the defamatory statements on the GAM channel caused immense embarrassment and distress to Mwanzia. Her attorney argues that the damage is irreparable, affecting her relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. The court documents highlight that the televised interview led to widespread recognition by viewers, including her children, siblings, close family friends, former classmates, colleagues, and professional acquaintances.
Mwanzia is seeking various forms of relief, including an apology, damages for libel and malicious falsehoods, as well as compensation for psychological and emotional distress. However, Prophet Owusu denies the allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as baseless and an abuse of the court process. In response, he emphasizes his lack of familiarity with Mwanzia, outright denying the allegations made against him. The case is set to be discussed by Milimani Commercial Court Magistrate Becky Cheloti on January 19, 2024.