• Azimio’s Fredrick Okango has threatened to sue political analyst Omulo Junior for allegedly damaging his reputation by calling him a “Nyayo toddler.
• In a demand letter, Okango said the term “Nyayo toddler” associates him with negative political connotations and has harmed his public image
• Omulo, backed by his lawyer, dismissed Okango’s claims, calling them “legally baseless” and challenged the Azimio official to proceed with the lawsuit
• The term “Nyayo,” tied to former president Daniel Moi’s rule, is linked to his 24-year regime known for oppressive political tactics and has since taken on negative undertones

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi – Azimio La Umoja Secretary of Political Affairs Fredrick Okango has threatened to sue outspoken political analyst Omulo Junior for referring to him as a “Nyayo toddler”.

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Omulo, who doubles as the ANC’s director of political affairs, allegedly made the remarks during a heated radio talk show dubbed ‘Mzungumzo Wazi Wazi’ on Saturday, October 26.

In a demand letter seen by TUKO.co.ke, Okango argued the term ‘Nyayo toddler’ had lowered his standing and damaged his reputation as a leader and public figure in the country.

“During this broadcast that was aired worldwide, you referred to Okango as a “Nyayo Toddler,” a term intended to demean his public reputation, associate him with negative political undertones, and diminish his credibility as a public figure and a political leader in Kenya. Such statements are both defamatory and untrue, causing unnecessary damage to Okango’s reputation and exposing him to public ridicule,” read the letter in part.

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Okango and Omulo are regular political commentators and are not new to controversies.

They are combative and often make inflammatory and highly emotive political remarks whenever they meet on radio, TV or online platforms to dissect Kenyan politics.

Despite their ever-simmering political rivalry, none had threatened to sue another over the controversial remarks made during interviews.

However, Okango, in a letter dated Monday, October 28, unprecedentedly moved to demand an unreserved apology from the ANC official or risk a defamation suit.

“This letter serves as a formal demand that you provide a written apology to Mr. Okango, to be received by our offices within seven (7) days of your receipt of this letter. Should you fail to issue a sincere and unreserved apology within the specified timeframe, we are instructed to proceed with legal action against you for defamation,” warned Okango through Price and Smith advocates.

How did Omulo respond to Okango’s demand letter

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Omulo has, however, dismissed the letter, claiming the complaints raised therein are baseless with no legal backing.

Through his advocate Brian Weke, Omulo dared the Azimio official to sue if he was convinced his case has merit.

“After careful review, we find this claim to be legally baseless and lacking in merit, rendering it non-meritorious and frivolous. The term “Nyayo toddler” is a subjective descriptor that does not meet the standard for defamation. It constitutes neither a false statement of fact nor a statement that would reasonably be interpreted as damaging in any actionable way,” read Omulo’s response.

Nyayo is a term coined by the late president Daniel Moi when he ascended to power in 1978 following the death of Kenya’s founding president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. It was his philosophy that meant “following in the footsteps” of his predecessor.

Following his 24-year rule that was characterised by oppression and suppression of dissenting voices, the term Nyayo was associated with dictatorship.

Source: TUKO.co.ke