Human Rights Activist Kimutai Kirui Sues Eldoret Blogger Over Alleged Defamatory Publications
The latest case places Kiplagat at the centre of two separate civil proceedings involving allegations of defamatory social media publications within a matter of weeks.
Human Right Activist Kimutai Kirui at the Eldoret High Court
By James Gitaka | Eldoret
Renowned human rights activist and governance advocate Kimutai Kirui has sued an Eldoret-based blogger and employee of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) over alleged defamatory publications, in a case that comes only weeks after another defamation suit was filed against the blogger.
Kirui has filed a civil case at the Eldoret Magistrate Court against Joshua Kiplagat, accusing him of publishing and circulating material that allegedly sought to damage his reputation.
The case, Benard Kimutai Kirui v Joshua Kiplagat, is registered as MCCC/E2472/2026.
In an order issued on October 6, 2026, Eldoret Magistrate Naima Kirui Chelangat directed that the application be served on Kiplagat and ordered that the matter be mentioned on October 27, 2026, for directions.
The court also ruled that no urgency had been demonstrated in the application.
The order followed a Notice of Motion dated October 2, 2026, together with a supporting affidavit and annexures.
The latest case places Kiplagat at the centre of two separate civil proceedings involving allegations of defamatory social media publications within a matter of weeks.
Separate defamation suit
In the other case, Boniface Kipchumba Biwott v Joshua Kiplagat, registered as MCCC/E2352/2026, Biwott accuses Kiplagat of publishing and circulating allegedly defamatory and offensive material about him on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
According to court documents in the case, Biwott alleges that Kiplagat portrayed him as a criminal and gangster, allegations that he strongly disputes.
The publications are also alleged to have linked Biwott to an International Criminal Court (ICC)-related matter and made references to his association with or involvement in matters concerning human rights activists.
Biwott further accuses the blogger of maligning his name and reputation on social media, including allegedly referring to him as a “conman”, among other accusations contained in the disputed publications.
The alleged material was reportedly circulated through several WhatsApp groups, including North Rift News Hustlers, Cheptiret/Kipchamo Community Forum, Cheptiret Development Forum and Langas People Online.
Biwott is seeking interim orders restraining Kiplagat, his agents, servants or employees from publishing, posting or circulating similar material through WhatsApp, Facebook, X and other social media platforms pending determination of the suit.
He argues that the alleged publications have exposed him to ridicule, contempt and reputational harm.
The two cases are separate and involve different applicants, although both name Joshua Kiplagat as the respondent.
The latest proceedings by Kirui are at an early stage, with the court having ordered service of the application before directions on October 27.
Similarly, the allegations raised by Biwott remain unproven, and the court has not made a determination that Kiplagat defamed either applicant.
Kiplagat, who is also an employee of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations through the court process.
His response to the allegations was not contained in the court documents reviewed for this report.
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