Friday August 14, 2020
A series of tweets allegedly targeted at lawyer Ahmednasir Abudllahi have become the subject matter of an ongoing defamation case before a the High Court in Nairobi.
Through advocate Ombati Omwanzia, Ahemednasir sued communications consultant Njeri Thorne for making false publications with the sole purpose of injuring his reputation.
“The offending publications were calculated to disparage the trade, profession and business being carried on by the Plaintiff,” Ombati said.
Money laundering
Justice Mbogholi Msagha heard that Njeri published the alleged tweets in July in which she apparently linked the senior counsel to money laundering and piracy.
"Folk like, Ahmednasir should not be commenting on matters Kenya. He is responsible for laundering pirate money bringing it in and distorting our economy. He also big caliphate dute and has worked against Kenya with terrorists," she wrote.
In another post on July 31, she claimed law firm associated with the plaintiff had been acting as go-between for ransom negotiation on behalf of Somalia pirates who hijacked ships in Gulf of Aden.
Real estate link
According to the communications expert, part of the proceeds from the pirates was used to acquire real estate as cover up for the alleged shoddy deals.
"The glamorous building acts as the First Community Bank headquarters which, ironically, was founded by Ahmednasir Abdullahi from suspected proceeds of piracy ransom paid off by desperate shipping companies whose vessels were seized by ruthless Somali pirates off the Gulf of Aden," she added.
In the case which was certified as urgent, the plaintiff denied involvement in the illegal trade as he had never been investigated or charged for the same in a court of law.
“The plaintiff has no involvement whatsoever in crime, piracy, money laundering or any criminal activity; nor has he ever been investigated for, charged or convicted of any offence in that regard,” Ombati argued.
Interim orders
Justice Mbogholi gave interim order barring the accused from commenting on the matter and making further utterances on the same pending hearing on August 25.
“Based on the material presented, there are compelling reasons to grant interim orders in terms of prayers B and C of the application to last for 14 days from August, 12 2020. It is so ordered,” he ruled.
On her part, Njeri maintained she will defend her statement as truths in the fullness of time without intimidation.
"Let the games begin. Will defend my statements as truths. We can start to unearth the what goes down in Eastleigh. Shipping companies on board (no pun intended) for investigations. Excited," she stated.