Homa Bay County Government has been mandated to compensate former advisor Richard Bonyo KSh 1 million after a court found the county liable for defamation and emotional distress.
Bonyo, who served as a resource mobilisation advisor under former Governor Cyprian Awiti, sued the county following the publication of a list in May 2024 that falsely identified him as a ghost worker—an employee drawing a salary without rendering services.
Background
- The list was released amid an audit initiated by Governor Gladys Wanga's administration aimed at cutting down the county's wage bill.
- Bonyo’s name appeared despite his contract having ended on September 1, 2022, well before the audit.
- The former County Director of Human Resources, Charles Auma Modi, testified that Bonyo’s employment was legitimate and concluded properly, with exit documentation on record.
Impact and Court Findings
Bonyo reported difficulties securing job opportunities after being labeled a ghost worker, with interviewers citing the defamatory list. His family also endured emotional distress, as noted by the court.
Resident Magistrate Cynthia Chepkoech Cheruiyot ruled that the allegations were false, malicious, and damaging to Bonyo’s reputation.
Judgment
- The court awarded Bonyo KSh 1 million in damages, less than the KSh 8-10 million he sought, after considering the county’s defense.
- A permanent injunction prohibits the county and its agents from further defamatory publications about Bonyo.
- The county must remove his name from all ghost worker lists and related media platforms within 30 days.
- A public apology to Bonyo was also ordered.
This ruling underscores the legal consequences of wrongful public accusations and the importance of accurate employee records.
