Ruto Ally Files Criminal Case Against Whistleblower Nelson Amenya in France

A billionaire businessman linked to President William Ruto has filed a criminal case in France against activist Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower behind explosive claims regarding the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) takeover and controversial health insurance deals under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

Amenya, known for releasing detailed exposés implicating the businessman in the contentious NHIF-to-SHA transition, confirmed the latest legal challenge after a failed defamation suit previously filed by the same tycoon. The new case will be heard in open court, allowing public scrutiny of both the allegations and defense.

“There is no pressure on my part. I’m going to ensure he suffers the most humiliating defeat of his life,” said Amenya, who remains defiant, adding that his legal team in France is ready for the battle.

In an earlier ruling, a French court dismissed the businessman’s Ksh8 million (€60,000) defamation claim, finding Amenya’s posts on X (formerly Twitter) to be protected under EU freedom of expression laws due to their relevance to public interest and anti-corruption discourse. The court ordered the complainant to pay Ksh667,000 (€5,000) in legal costs.

Locally, Amenya is also represented by lawyer Willis Otieno in a similar ongoing case in Kenya. Last October, Kenyan courts also threw out defamation charges against him, citing public interest and transparency.

Amenya, who previously received a court order barring him from linking Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to the JKIA-Adani saga, insists these legal battles will set a vital precedent for whistleblower protection in Africa. “They cannot plunder from us and then use the justice system to silence us,” he said.