Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has moved to court against Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula in a defamation suit arising from remarks he claims were false, damaging and injurious to his reputation.
In papers filed before the High Court, Nabwera accuses Savula of making public statements that allegedly portrayed him as living with HIV, claims he says are untrue and calculated to demean him both personally and politically.
According to the suit, the remarks were made in a public setting and later circulated widely, exposing Nabwera to ridicule, stigma and public speculation.
He argues that the statements have caused emotional distress and threatened to undermine his standing as an elected leader.
As part of the reliefs sought, Nabwera is asking the court to order a medically supervised HIV test to be conducted openly, in the presence of independent health professionals and members of the media.
He says the unusual request is meant to conclusively clear his name and put an end to what he terms malicious misinformation.
The legislator maintains that the matter goes beyond personal grievance, arguing that public figures should not weaponise sensitive health issues for political attacks.
He says such conduct fuels stigma and violates basic standards of dignity and responsible leadership.
Savula has yet to file a response to the suit.
The court is expected to issue directions on the matter, including timelines for responses and whether it will entertain the specific remedies sought by the petitioner.
