The suit, filed through lawyer Danstan Omari, stems from a viral video in which Panyako allegedly claimed that Momamyi received KSh 6 million from political operative Farouk Kibet to influence the upcoming Malava by-election set for November 27.
According to court filings, Momamyi says he first learnt of the accusations after friends and family forwarded him the circulating clip.
In his affidavit, the police boss says Panyako’s remarks falsely portray him as a compromised officer capable of undermining the credibility of the by-election.
He argues that as the senior security officer in the county, such claims not only erode public trust but also threaten both his career and personal safety.
“That the utterances insinuate that I have been compromised beyond my oath of office, and that any credibility issues in the Malava by-election should be attributed to me,” Momamyi states in the court papers.
Lawyer Omari maintains that his client has served Kakamega for over three years with an unblemished record, insisting that Panyako’s statements were “false, malicious, and aimed at besmirching” the officer’s reputation.
He further argues that the DAP-K aspirant is a well-known political figure whose words carry significant weight, especially when directed at key security institutions.
Momamyi is seeking an unequivocal apology, a permanent injunction barring Panyako from issuing further defamatory remarks, and KSh 20 million in general damages.
The police commander also wants the court to stop Panyako or his agents from circulating any additional content referencing the allegations.
According to the suit, the contested video was posted on November 16 and allegedly accuses Momamyi of bribery, election interference, and plotting chaos ahead of the Kakamega polls.
The case adds fresh tension to the already heated Malava by-election, where accusations of political interference and bribery have intensified in recent weeks.
