DJ Kalonje has challenged efforts by YouTuber Oga Obinna to enter a defense in a KSh20 million defamation case, insisting the suit arises from harmful and false statements broadcast to a massive online audience.
The case, filed as Milimani Commercial Courts Civil Case No. E4789 of 2024, is before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nairobi. It was brought by DJ Kalonje and his company, The Mixxmasters Entertainment Limited, against Obinna, the host of Obinna TV Extra.
The plaintiffs accuse Obinna of making defamatory remarks during a live show aired on 19 August 2024 featuring the comedy group Three Men Army. They say Obinna told viewers DJ Kalonje was incapable of playing live DJ mixes. They state the claim was false and damaging. The broadcast attracted more than 1.1 million viewers worldwide, amplifying the harm to the DJ’s professional reputation.
Although Obinna now seeks permission to file a defence, DJ Kalonje maintains the application is an attempt to delay the case. The plaintiffs argue the YouTuber was aware of the proceedings and failed to act in time. They insist the statements were deliberate and reckless, given Obinna’s influence and reach on digital platforms.
Through their lawyers, Turunga Ithagi and Associates, the plaintiffs have taken a firm position. In a settlement demand dated 11 August 2025, they placed the claim at KSh20 million, the maximum awardable by a magistrate’s court. They point to the scale of the audience and the standing of both parties as factors that aggravate the damage.
The demand letter accuses Obinna of malice and professional disregard. It states the broadcast misrepresented DJ Kalonje’s skills and exposed him to ridicule and hostile online commentary. The plaintiffs say the incident caused serious reputational damage and emotional distress.
DJ Kalonje has also dismissed claims of mistaken identity raised by Obinna. The plaintiffs say the context of the broadcast left no doubt about who was being discussed. They argue viewers understood the remarks to refer to DJ Kalonje, not another individual.
The court must now decide whether to allow Obinna to defend the case outside the required timelines. DJ Kalonje urges the court to reject the request and allow the matter to proceed without further delay. If the court allows the defence, the case will move to a full hearing to assess the impact of the broadcast and the extent of the alleged defamation.
