Peter Kaluma Sues Standard Media Group Over Homa Bay Rally Exposé

Peter Kaluma Sues Standard Media Group Over Homa Bay Rally Exposé

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has sued the Standard Media Group over reports concerning violence that occurred during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay.

Kaluma filed the case at the Milimani Commercial Court on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, alleging that reports published by The Standard newspaper and broadcast on KTN News contained statements and implications that damaged his reputation.

The lawmaker claims the reports portrayed him as having been involved in planning, organising or mobilising violence during the political gathering held in Homa Bay on August 16.

In his plaint, Kaluma said the publications affected his standing as a family man, lawyer and elected representative.

“The publication aired by the Defendants was intended to injure and has indeed injured the reputation and credit of the Plaintiff as a person, a role model, together with his family, as a professional being an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and in his public service career as an elected leader.”

He further argued that the reports caused damage to his reputation and professional standing.

“In consequence of the aforesaid publications, the Plaintiff has been gravely injured in his credit, reputation, character and standing as a person and self-respecting family man, and, in his said occupation and profession as a leader.”

Kaluma Challenges KTN News Report

The suit centres on a 41-minute KTN News bulletin aired during the 7pm and 9pm news broadcasts on September 6, 2026.

Kaluma alleges that the report suggested that the violence witnessed during the Homa Bay rally had been planned and organised before the clashes occurred.

The MP says the September 6 report formed part of a wider series of publications by The Standard Group concerning the Homa Bay violence and his alleged involvement.

He also cited earlier reports published by the media organisation, including an August 17 Standard newspaper headline titled “Shame as Gladys Wanga and Kaluma Unleash Violence against Freedom”.

Other publications dated August 18 and August 21 were also referenced in the court documents.

Kaluma maintains that the reports created an impression that he was responsible for events surrounding the violence, a claim he disputes.

“The Plaintiff has been gravely injured in his credit, reputation, character and standing.”

The MP says he previously demanded an apology and retraction from the media organisation and issued notice of his intention to pursue legal action.

According to the court documents, Kaluma alleges that the demands were not addressed and that the media organisation continued publishing reports relating to the incident.

What Kaluma Wants From Standard Group

The Homa Bay lawmaker is seeking general damages for alleged defamation, together with aggravated and exemplary damages.

He is also asking the court to compel Standard Media Group to retract the reports and remove them from its media platforms.

In addition, Kaluma wants the court to order the defendants to publish an apology and retraction with similar prominence to the disputed reports.

“The Defendants are ordered to publish a retraction and apology to the Plaintiff with similar prominence within 3 days of the judgment on KTN News, the Standard Newspaper and on all media platforms of the Defendants.”

The case stems from the August 16 violence that occurred during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay. The incident attracted national attention and prompted investigations and extensive media coverage.

The filing comes amid separate legal and public disputes surrounding coverage of the Homa Bay clashes, with political leaders questioning some of the reports while media organisations have continued to defend their coverage of events of public interest.

Kaluma’s case will now be subject to the court process, where the parties will have an opportunity to present their respective positions and evidence.

The allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court and have not been determined by a final judgment.

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Peter Kaluma Sues Standard Media Group Over Homa Bay Rally Exposé