Vivian Cheruiyot, Standard Media Ordered to Pay KSh 3.7 Million in Marathoner Defamation Case
The ruling, delivered by Iten Senior Principal Magistrate Charles Kutwa, found that Chelang’a was defamed by the publication of a story in The Nairobian and Standard Digital

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Former World Champion in 5,000 and 10,000 meters, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eldoret-based Standard writer Stephen Ruto, and the Standard Media Group have been ordered to pay retired marathoner Abraham Kipkosgei Chelang’a KSh 3.7 million in defamation damages.
The ruling, delivered by Iten Senior Principal Magistrate Charles Kutwa, found that Chelang’a was defamed by the publication of a story in The Nairobian and Standard Digital, both owned by the Standard Media Group.
“From the foregoing, I find that the plaintiff has proved that he was defamed by the defendants through the publication of the story. The court is now left to determine the prayers sought in the plaint,” stated Magistrate Kutwa in his verdict.
The defamatory story, published in The Nairobian between February 10th and 16th, 2023, accused Chelang’a of being involved in activities that allegedly contributed to the breakdown of Cheruiyot’s marriage. Cheruiyot claimed that Chelang’a was leading her husband astray and encouraging him to associate with young, attractive women in Eldoret, behavior she alleged was “shaking her marriage.”
In addition, Cheruiyot claimed Chelang’a was leaking sensitive information to Caroline Kwambai, her husband’s estranged wife. Kwambai, a former international marathoner, is an officer at Lang’ata Women’s Prison in Nairobi County.
Magistrate Kutwa awarded Chelang’a KSh 3 million for general damages, KSh 500,000 for aggravated damages, and KSh 200,000 in lieu of an apology.
“I have, in awarding this sum, considered that the defendants did not republish the defamatory story in any of their subsequent publications. I also award the plaintiff the costs of this suit and interest on damages and costs at court rates from the date of this judgment until full payment,” concluded the Magistrate.
Chelang’a had initially sought KSh 6 million in general damages and KSh 2 million in aggravated damages. In his court documents, Chelang’a argued that the publication, driven by malice, was intended to harm his reputation in society. He claimed that the articles had attracted negative attention both locally and internationally, describing the defendants as “malicious and spiteful.”
Chelang’a further stated that the article portrayed him as “a pimp, thief, corrupt individual, and conman” and argued that the defamatory words had damaged his reputation, causing people in society to avoid and shun him.
“The published words were false and were intended to malign and tarnish my reputation. As a result, my character, credibility, and reputation have been severely injured,” Chelang’a asserted.
In his defense, the second defendant, Stephen Ruto, admitted writing the article in The Nairobian titled “Showdown Exposes Trouble in Paradise: Olympic Champion Claims Husband Swindled Her Money.” Ruto stated that the article highlighted Cheruiyot’s marital woes and her fallout with Chelang’a.
Ruto claimed that he had interviewed Cheruiyot, who recounted issues in her marriage. However, he admitted that he did not have a transcript of their conversations, which were conducted through phone calls and WhatsApp.
Despite defending the article as responsible reporting, Ruto admitted, “I had no evidence of a public altercation between Vivian Cheruiyot and her husband.” He also conceded that the Standard Media Group’s publications reach a wide audience.
The Standard Media Group maintained that their reporting was fair and accurate.