Former chair of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Johnson Muthama is threatening to sue a TikToker, Mwanambai over a misleading video that was posted on the platform.
In a letter dated 19 June, Muthama through his lawyers, appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations – DCI to probe the matter regarding what he termed as the misuse of a telecommunication device.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally bring to your attention a complaint regarding the dissemination of a false and misleading message about our client and request your esteemed office to initiate a thorough investigation into this matter,” read the letter.
The complaint arises from a TikTok video posted on June 14 by Mwanambai Kenya, featuring Muthama speaking in Kamba language at a funeral in Kalawa, Makueni County.
Further, the video was reportedly accompanied by a false caption which suggested that Ruto used the former Machakos Senator and then discarded him, giving him a job to clean toilets.
“Ruto alinitumia kama chairman UDA na akanitupa kabisa amenipatia kazi ya kuosha choc. Ogopa Ruto, Kalonzo tujikaze sasa kama Wakamba.”
Also Read: Muthama: Ruto Will Be Re-elected Unopposed in 2027
Muthama Issues Demands
Muthama’s lawyers argue that the intention behind Mwanambai’s actions was to misinform non-Kamba speaking individuals and further portray him in a menacing and obscene light.
“This conduct constitutes an offence under the law, as it involves sending a false message via a licensed telecommunication system/device with the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety to another person.”
Muthama, currently a commissioner at the Parliamentary Service Commission, wants DCI to look into the matter and take appropriate legal action against the TikToker under Section 29 of the Kenya Information and Communication Act.
Also Read: Muthama Resigns as UDA Chair Ahead of Vetting for PSC Post
“We urge your good office to pursue this matter diligently, investigate the origins and intent of the false message, and take appropriate legal action against the perpetrator.”
“We appreciate your prompt attention to this serious issue and look forward to your findings,” further read the letter.
His advocates argue that the dissemination of the false and misleading message about their client is unacceptable and must be addressed through a thorough investigation
UDA Fallout
Muthama resigned as the UDA party national chairman in September 2023 following his approval by Parliament as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
He had been endorsed by the National Assembly for the PSC slot after his name was tabled by the commission.
On June 14, Muthama and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka a podium, after years of not seeing eye to eye. The two leaders agreed to champion for the interests of the people from the region.
Days later, the former Machakos clarified that he had not ditched UDA.
“I understand lies are being peddled that I’ve rejoined Wiper Party but as a principled person, I am in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to stay.
We will meet to champion unity of the community devoid of political parties,” said Muthama in a statement.
Also, Muthama said no leader can stop him from fighting for the welfare of the Kamba people.
“Despite being a loyal supporter of this administration, it doesn’t mean that anyone can deter me from championing the unity of my community and as I do that, it shouldn’t be misconstrued that I am leaving UDA or ceasing to support the President.”
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