Bakiza sues 'New Vision' over arrest story

By Edith Kimuli Former Director of CID Chris Bakiza and his wife, Esther, have sued The New Vision for alleging that they were arrested while fleeing to Kenya. They are seeking damages for alleged defamation and costs of the suit. The New Vision in its defence said the article was true in substance, was published in the public interest and was not presented in order to defame. The Bakizas said the story titled, "Bakiza denies arrest," published on the front page of The New Vision of October 9, meant they were running from justice. The story said the two were arrested as they were crossing to Kenya with Kenyan passports. It also said Bakiza was served with an interdiction letter two weeks before the story was published. The Bakizas said they have never tried to flee the country and he has never been served with an interdiction letter. They said the story portrayed Bakiza as unfit to be an advocate and has injured their reputation. In a suit filed in the High Court the two plaintiffs say the story has put them to contempt, hatred and public ridicule. The New Vision, represented by Odere and Nalyanya Advocates, said the article was incapable of defaming the plaintiffs as alleged, and that they did not suffer any loss nor were they exposed to hatred. It said the article was published in the line of its duty to keep the public informed on matters of public concern and interest. "The story was true in substance and in fact was not presented in such a way to convey a defamatory innuendo," the defendants said. The case has not yet been fixed for hearing. Ends.