Raila wants Waiguru defamation case dismissed

CORD leader Raila Odinga wants a defamation case filed against him by former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru dismissed.

In his submission in court on Monday, Raila, through his lawyer Paul Mwangi, said that allegations by Waiguru that he wrongly accused her of being involved in the theft of Sh791 million at the NYS were baseless saying, “she was the overall responsible officer for the said losses.”

He further noted that Waiguru had failed to give a satisfactory explanation regarding the NYS scandal, adding that the case filed by Waiguru does not disclose any reasonable cause of action.

“I deny each and every allegation contained in the petition by Waiguru,” stated Mwangi.

He further denied receiving a demand letter and notice of intention to sue over the said defamatory allegations.

“The defendant denies that the words complained of were in any way malicious and calculated to bring the plaintiff into public scandal and further denies that she suffered any loss or damage,” he argues.

Waiguru sued Raila for defamation last year for apparently linking him to the loss of Sh791 million at the NYS, a department under the Devolution Ministry.

The former CS, who has since resigned, however denied the allegations resting blame on some senior officials in his ministry.

She is also seeking orders to compel Raila to stop any further utterances linking her to the scandal and is seeking compensation for damages caused due to Raila’s utterances.

“During my time as CS for Devolution, I upheld integrity and conducted my duties with honesty and dedication,” Waiguru argues.

So far 11 people have been charged in connection with the loss of money at NYS. Those charged in connection with the NYS scandal include former devolution PS Peter Mangiti, NYS Director General Nelson Githinji and businessman Benson Gethi among others.