Junet Threatens to Sue Standard, Demands Apology

Minority Leader in the National Assembly and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has threatened to sue Standard Group PLC over what he describes as defamatory publications against him

In a demand letter dated January 6, 2026, issued to the Mombasa Road–based media house through his lawyers, Prof. Tom Ojienda & Associates, Junet Mohamed, the Suna East Member of Parliament, gave Standard Group a seven-day ultimatum to issue an apology and comply with his demands or face legal action.

The letter, addressed to the Standard Group’s Chief Executive Officer and senior journalists, accuses the publication of running “scandalous, reckless and malicious” stories in its January 6, 2026 edition.

The contested articles appeared on the front page and pages 6, 7, and 8 of the newspaper.

“We act for and on behalf of Hon. Junet Mohamed, the Member of Parliament for Suna East Constituency, who doubles up as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose express instructions we address you as follows,” read part of the letter.

Junet Threatens to Sue Standard

According to the demand notice, the Standard’s front-page headline titled “The Die-Hard Traitor” portrayed Junet as a traitor, politically disloyal, morally unprincipled, and as someone serving unnamed “masters” rather than the public interest.

The lawyers argue that the description was false and deliberately intended to damage his reputation.

The letter further takes issue with an article on page 6, headlined “Junet now blames Uhuru as Raila’s 2022 agent’s saga refuses to go away,” which allegedly portrayed the MP as a covert political agent and dishonest broker involved in shadowy political dealings.

Junet’s legal team says the claims were fabricated and published with reckless disregard for the truth.

Also Read: Junet Accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of Betraying Raila in 2022

Another article on page 8, titled “Outside national stage, Junet is an absentee MP, his constituents say,” is also cited as defamatory.

The lawyers argue that the story falsely depicts Junet as negligent and failing in his constitutional duties as an elected leader.

Prof. Ojienda & Associates argue that the attention given to the stories, especially the front-page headline, shows a clear intent to harm their client.

They say this has led to serious damage to their client’s reputation, public mockery, and personal distress.

While acknowledging constitutional protections on freedom of expression and media freedom, the lawyers note that such freedoms do not extend to falsehoods or defamation, adding that media houses have a duty to act responsibly and accurately.

Standard Group Slapped with 7 Day Ultimatum

Junet is demanding an immediate and unequivocal retraction of the articles, a full public apology published with equal prominence in the Standard Newspaper and on all its digital platforms, and a written undertaking that no further defamatory references will be made about him.

The letter warns that failure to meet the demands within seven days will prompt legal proceedings against Standard Group Limited, including claims for general, aggravated and exemplary damages, injunctive relief, and costs of the suit.

For some time, there has been an ongoing public debate over the cause of Raila Odinga’s loss in the 2022 elections.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna recently reignited the debate by accusing Junet Mohamed of sabotaging funds that were meant for Azimio agents, an action he claims contributed to Raila’s defeat. Since then, there has been a back-and-forth exchange between the two leaders.

Also Read: ODM on Sale? Members Demand Answers on Alleged Night Meeting to Sell the Party

On January 5, 2026, a group of ODM lawmakers, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo (ODM Vice Chairperson) and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo (National Assembly Minority Whip), held a press conference at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi to address escalating internal tensions within ODM.

They urged Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to immediately end their public war of words and verbal attacks, stressing that such disputes should be resolved through internal party mechanisms rather than in the media.

The MPs also appealed to acting party leader Oburu Odinga to swiftly convene party organs, such as a National Executive Committee meeting, to restore discipline, unity, and cohesion within the party.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for Instant News Updates

Edwin Sifuna speaking at past event. PHOTO/NMG