Governor to Organise Fundraiser for Journalist Ordered to Pay Ksh 16 Million to State House Official

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has announced plans to lead a public fundraiser for a local journalist who was ordered by a court to pay Ksh 16 million in defamation damages to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito.

The journalist, identified as Jonathan Teikan, reportedly wrote a social media post and article about Metito, which the State House official termed defamatory before taking legal action against him in court.

According to Lenku, a court in Ngong awarded Metito Ksh 16 million in damages against the journalist, leaving the family struggling to raise the money.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 27, 2026, the governor said the journalist’s family had already considered selling part of their land to settle the court award before seeking help from the county leadership.

“And today I received a report on the preparations for that Harambee event, which will take place next Friday. The family is ready, and different groups have already started contributing goats, sheep, and some money to help save the child,” Lenku said.

The governor announced that a public harambee will be held on Friday, May 29, at Ildamat Stadium to help raise the money and save the family property from being sold.

Lenku Defends Journalist’s Family 

In his address, Lenku said different youth groups and community organisations from across Kajiado County had already started mobilising support ahead of the fundraiser.

The governor stated that residents from Kajiado South, Kajiado North, Kajiado Central, Kajiado East, and Kajiado West had begun contributing goats, sheep, and cash donations to support the journalist’s family.

Lenku further argued that the punishment imposed on the journalist went against Maasai traditions of resolving disputes between elders and young people.

According to the governor, Metito, being an elder in the community, should have sought a traditional reconciliation process instead of pursuing what he described as excessive punishment through the courts.

“We will stand with this family and this young man to show that the path taken is not in line with our traditions,” Lenku said.

He also called on Kenyans of goodwill and members of the Maa community to attend the fundraiser and support the family.

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Katoo Ole Metito Responds

After the court ruling, Metito responded through his social media platforms on Monday, May 25, maintaining that the court ruling should be respected.

The State House Comptroller stated that all funds raised during the fundraiser would be deposited directly with the court as part of settling the damages awarded in the case.

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Metito added that he would channel the money into community projects aimed at improving health services, water supply, and basic education in Kajiado County.

“Absolutely no portion of these funds will go to my pocket or personal benefit,” Metito said.

He further claimed the projects would help address what he termed as gaps caused by years of poor administration in the county government.

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Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito during a discussion at a past event in 2022. PHOTO/Ole Lenku