Controversial Kenyan tycoon Jayesh Saini has lost a defamation case against whistleblower Nelson Amenya, a Paris-based activist who has been vocal about alleged corruption in Kenya’s health sector.
Saini, accused of being a key player in questionable dealings within the Social Health Authority (SHA), took Amenya to court over social media posts linking him to systemic abuse of public healthcare resources.
Saini’s influence in Kenya’s health system has long been under scrutiny. He owns a sprawling network of clinics across all 47 counties, allegedly ensuring they receive SHA funding.
Tycoon Jayesh Saini. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
Reports also suggest he manages the SHA portal where Kenyans send their health contributions, with critics claiming he has uninterrupted access to State House and President William Ruto.
In his lawsuit, Saini demanded €60,000 (Sh8 million) in damages, arguing that Amenya’s posts unfairly tarnished his reputation and harmed his business interests. He also sought orders for the posts to be taken down.
However, a French court dismissed the case, ruling that Amenya’s statements were protected under freedom of expression laws, as they addressed issues of public interest, particularly corruption in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Presiding Judge Francois Hary pointed out that the posts raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement in Kenya—topics deeply embedded in public and judicial debates.
The court ordered Saini to pay €5,000 (Sh667,000) to cover Amenya’s legal costs and ruled that Saini failed to prove the alleged harm to his reputation under French law.
This case underscores the challenges of cross-border defamation disputes in the digital age. Amenya argued that the matter belonged in a Kenyan court, where a related case is ongoing.
For Saini, this ruling amplifies calls for transparency in his dealings. For Amenya, it’s a victory for whistleblowers exposing corruption in systems meant to serve the public.
