- Simon Kabu, CEO of Bonfire Adventures, has filed a defamation case against his estranged wife, Sarah Njoki.
- Kabu accuses Njoki of spreading false and defamatory claims that have caused him reputational harm and mental anguish.
- He seeks a public apology, retraction of statements, and damages for libel and malicious falsehoods.
- The case is scheduled for an inter-party hearing on February 3, 2025.
Allegations by Simon Kabu
Kabu alleges that Sarah Njoki disseminated defamatory statements through:
- Internal Memo: A document dated December 18, 2024, shared with 150 employees, accused Kabu of:
- Conflict of interest and mismanagement.
- Inappropriate relationships with staff.
- Assault and unethical practices.
- Social Media Posts: Kabu cited a specific post from December 6, 2024, as defamatory content.
- Additional Claims: Njoki reportedly accused Kabu of:
- Gender-based violence and corruption.
- Cartel-like activities aimed at undermining the company.
- Engaging in abductions and other criminal acts to silence dissenters.
Impact of Allegations
Kabu claims these statements have:
- Caused insubordination among Bonfire Adventures staff.
- This led to canceled business engagements and loss of clients.
- Created a hostile work environment aimed at ousting him from the company.
Legal Actions Taken
Through lawyer Judith Kamoing’, Kabu seeks:
- A public apology and retraction of defamatory statements on the same platforms where they were shared.
- Compensatory and exemplary damages for libel, malicious falsehoods, and reputational harm.
- A permanent injunction barring Njoki from further defamatory publications.
Evidence Submitted
Kabu provided:
- CCTV transcriptions from company meetings, where Njoki allegedly made false accusations.
- The December 18 memo and other documented communications.
Context and Broader Implications
Simon and Sarah co-founded Bonfire Adventures in 2007, growing it into Kenya’s leading tours and travel company. The legal dispute sharply highlights their personal and professional relationship, potentially impacting the company’s reputation.
Kabu asserts that Njoki’s actions were part of a coordinated effort to damage his image and destabilize the business.
The case will be heard on February 3, 2025, when both parties present their arguments.
This lawsuit underscores the challenges of navigating business and personal disputes in the public eye, especially when involving high-profile figures.
