Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director-General Silas Kinoti is embroiled in a legal dispute over management of his X social media account. Eugene Mokua, a social media manager, has filed a Sh5.2 million claim against Kinoti, alleging unpaid fees for nine months of services including account management, influencer promotion, transport, and publication costs.

The case is currently before Milimani Commercial Court. Kinoti has filed suit seeking an order to compel Mokua to hand over the X account credentials and cease any access or operations on the account.

Background of the Dispute

  • Mokua contends he was engaged by Kinoti around June 2025 to oversee the X account, providing content creation, follower engagement, and daily account management.
  • According to court documents, the parties agreed on terms via WhatsApp messages dated June 17, 2025.
  • Kinoti claims he paid Sh3 million in total, including an initial Sh2 million, and terminated the agreement, demanding Mokua return the account access.
  • Mokua denies termination of the contract and insists Kinoti still owes him the outstanding balance for his services.

Details of the Counterclaim

  • Mokua's claim covers monthly management fees of Sh200,000 over nine months, transport expenses involving about 680 Uber trips, meal costs, publication fees, and a tender application.
  • He also disputes having promised to help Kinoti obtain a verified checkmark on the X platform.
  • The initial claim by Mokua's lawyers was Sh8.1 million, later revised to Sh5.2 million after partial payments totaling Sh2.9 million between December 2025 and February 2026.

Kinoti's Position

  • Kinoti asserts that the social media engagement was based on trust and agency, emphasizing the revocable nature of Mokua’s authority.
  • He argues that continued access to the account by Mokua could mislead the public into associating statements made on the platform with him and his office.
  • Kinoti is also seeking a refund of Sh75,000 paid as a premium subscription charge for the X account.

The court is set to mention the case again on February 18, 2027. Kinoti has served at KURA since 2009 and was substantively appointed Director-General in June 2020.