Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera has threatened to institute defamation proceedings against Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, accusing him of making malicious and defamatory remarks, including claims touching on his HIV status.
The remarks were allegedly made during the burial of Simon Isiaho Shange, the principal of Munyuki Secondary School, an event that MP Nabwera says was transformed into a platform for political attacks and character assassination.
MP Accuses Deputy Governor of Malicious Defamation
In a demand letter dated January 14, 2025, Nabwera—through his lawyer Danstan Omari—terms the remarks “vicious, false, derogatory, and defamatory,” arguing that they were deliberately calculated to damage his reputation and political standing.
According to the letter, the alleged defamatory statements were made on November 25, 2025, at Ludodo Village in Likuyani Sub-County, Kakamega County, during the burial ceremony of the late principal.
Nabwera contends that Savula publicly linked him to the principal’s death, which occurred through an accident, while also purporting to disclose sensitive and unverified personal health information.
HIV Allegations Termed Reckless and Injurious
Omari told Savula that the remarks went as far as purporting to reveal Nabwera’s HIV status, an assertion the MP says was made without any factual basis and with the intent of causing maximum reputational harm.
“Your unhinged, unprovoked and politically calculated statements went to the extent of purporting to air our client’s HIV status—of which you lack the slightest clue—hence extremely injurious to his leadership, mentorship, political and multinational career,” Omari stated.
The lawyer warned that such statements were not only defamatory but also dangerous, given the stigma associated with HIV-related claims when irresponsibly aired in public forums.
Impact Amplified by Savula’s Political Standing
The demand letter notes that Savula’s remarks carry far-reaching consequences due to his stature as the sitting Deputy Governor of Kakamega County and a former two-term Lugari MP.
According to Nabwera, Savula commands a large following, and his words—uttered in a highly emotional burial setting—posed a security, reputational, and political threat to him, his family, and his constituents.
“The statements pose a reputational affront to the painstakingly built influence our client commands locally and internationally,” Omari added.
Public Apology and Sh100 Million Compensation Demanded
Nabwera has demanded that Savula issues an unequivocal public apology, delivered with the same vigour and publicity with which the defamatory remarks were allegedly made.
In addition, the MP is seeking Sh100 million in damages, citing the reputational, political, and career harm occasioned by the remarks.
In a bold move, Nabwera also challenged Savula to prove the HIV claims, stating that he is willing to undergo a public HIV test alongside Savula at a reputable medical facility if the Deputy Governor maintains his allegations.
Legal Action Looms
The letter warns that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated time will result in immediate legal action, including the filing of a defamation suit without further notice.
The incident has reignited debate around political conduct at public events, the misuse of funerals for political attacks, and the legal consequences of reckless speech by public officials.