Willstone Homes Limited has issued a formal demand to Nation Media Group (NMG), seeking Ksh 2 billion in damages over what it terms as a “deliberately malicious and defamatory” article published on the front page of the Daily Nation newspaper
Through its legal representatives, N.M. Kamwendwa & Co. Advocates, Willstone Homes has accused Nation Media Group of publishing an article titled “Unmasked: Faces in Home Buying Scams”, which the company says falsely links it to unethical practices in the real estate sector.
According to a demand letter dated June 4, 2025 and received by NMG the same day, the publication was done “in such a sensational manner and recklessly as to attract as much attention as possible,” with the intention to “taint and besmirch” the company’s otherwise good name and business reputation.
The legal team representing Willstone Homes argues that the article was not only defamatory but also breached journalistic standards and the Second Schedule to the Media Act, 2007, which requires accuracy and fairness in media reporting.
Specifically, the Act obligates journalists to obtain comments from any individual or entity mentioned in an unfavorable context.“The author of the said story did not even mind to contact our client and seek their comments thereof,” the letter states. “The story was thereby not fair and accurate and was in blatant breach of the code of conduct.”
Willstone Homes, through its lawyers, has issued three primary demands to Nation Media Group:
1. An immediate cease and desist from further publication of the said article or any other material that may portray the company in a negative light.
2. A full and unqualified public apology, to be published on the front page of the Daily Nation in the June 5, 2025 edition, with wording acceptable to Willstone Homes and its legal team.
3. A compensation payment of Ksh 2 billion, representing financial losses the company alleges to have suffered as a result of the publication.
The real estate firm has given Nation Media Group a seven-day ultimatum to meet the demands. Failure to comply, the letter states, will result in immediate legal action.“Unless the foregoing demand is met within the next seven days, our firm’s mandatory and irrevocable instructions are to commence the necessary legal proceedings,” the letter warns.
Willstone Homes maintains that the defamatory article has not only jeopardized its relationship with current and prospective clients but has also strained its reputation with financial institutions both locally and abroad.
Founded in Nairobi, Willstone Homes describes itself as a reputable developer in Kenya’s competitive real estate market. The company claims that its brand image and trust among clients have been instrumental in its growth.
