Edgar Obare puts popular gossip page on sale days after being slapped with Sh6 million fine for defamation


Popular blogger Edgar Obare has put his widely followed gossip platforms up for sale, days after a Nairobi court ordered him to pay Sh6 million in damages to socialite Bernice Mumo in a defamation case that has continued to spark debate about accountability in Kenya’s digital media space.

Obare announced that his brand, operated under BNN Ltd, is on the market, with all digital assets, data, copyrights and trademarks included in the sale.

The move comes shortly after the court ruling that found him liable for publishing defamatory content about Mumo, a case that has become a reference point in conversations around online gossip, freedom of expression and the limits of influencer commentary.

Edgar Obare announced he is looking for serious buyers for his platforms. Photo: BNN/Instagram

The legal battle between Obare and Bernice Mumo dates back to allegations shared on the blogger’s platform that Mumo said were false, damaging and harmful to her reputation.

In court, Mumo argued that the posts subjected her to public ridicule and emotional distress, ultimately affecting both her personal life and public image.

The court agreed, awarding her Sh6 million in damages, a decision that sent shockwaves across the local blogging and gossip fraternity.

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Following the ruling, Obare took to social media to appeal to his followers for financial support, asking fans to help him raise funds to settle the fine.

However, the appeal was largely met with ridicule and backlash, with many netizens arguing that a platform built on exposing others should be prepared to face the consequences of its content.

The response appeared to leave the blogger with limited options as pressure mounted online.

It is against this backdrop that Obare announced the sale of his social media pages, which command a massive following and have for years been among the most influential gossip platforms in Kenya.

In his notice, he stated that the brand itself, including copyrights and trademarks, is on sale, emphasising that only serious buyers would be considered and that a deposit would be required.

For years, Obare’s platform has been synonymous with breaking celebrity scandals and controversial exposés, often setting the agenda for online discussions and, at times, spilling into mainstream media.

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The Bernice Mumo case, however, marked a turning point, highlighting the legal risks that come with publishing unverified or harmful content in the pursuit of clicks and engagement.

A Nairobi court ordered Edgar Obare to pay Bernice Muna Sh6 million for defaming her. Photo: Courtesy

As the sale process unfolds, it remains unclear whether Obare intends to exit the gossip space entirely or rebrand under a different model.

What is certain is that the outcome of the Bernice Mumo case has reshaped the trajectory of one of Kenya’s most recognisable gossip brands, serving as a stark reminder that the digital space is not immune to the rule of law.

The case has since been cited by legal experts and commentators as a cautionary tale for bloggers and influencers, underscoring the importance of responsible publishing and respect for individual reputations in an era where online content can spread rapidly and leave lasting damage.

 

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