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High-Profile Legal Battle Exposes Marital Strife of Bonfire Adventures Founders
A former househelp, identified in court documents as JK, has filed a Ksh 21 million lawsuit against Bonfire Adventures founders Sarah Njoki Nyaga and Simon Kabu, alleging sexual harassment, privacy breaches, defamation, and assault. The case, filed in Kenya’s Employment and Labour Relations Court, has thrust the estranged couple’s private conflicts into the public eye, challenging their image as a model entrepreneurial duo.
According to court filings, JK was hired in June 2024 as a nanny and homeschool teacher for the couple’s children under a contract with Bonfire Adventures. She claims her employment was manipulated to bolster the couple’s social media image and that she became entangled in their marital disputes.
Allegations of Harassment and Assault
JK accuses Sarah of sexual harassment and physical assault during a July 2024 altercation at the family’s Edenville residence in Kiambu. The incident reportedly occurred when Sarah, who had been living separately from Simon, returned to collect the children. After Simon refused to comply with her demands, JK alleges Sarah dismissed her on the spot and later attacked her with a kitchen knife, leaving a deep cut on her arm. Medical reports corroborate the injury, and police initially recommended assault charges against Sarah.
CCTV Footage Leak Sparks Defamation Claims
The lawsuit hinges on a leaked CCTV video of the altercation, which surfaced online in December 2024. JK claims Simon “accidentally” shared the footage in a company WhatsApp group, leading to widespread cyberbullying and reputational harm. She seeks Ksh 7 million for breach of confidentiality and an additional Ksh 7 million for defamation, citing public humiliation and estrangement from loved ones.
Claims of Coercion and Legal Interference
JK alleges the couple pressured her into accepting a Ksh 250,000 settlement under duress, with law enforcement officials allegedly discouraging her from pursuing criminal charges. Despite assurances that the CCTV footage was deleted, its viral spread fueled speculation about her relationship with Simon. The plaintiff now insists the settlement was coerced and demands full compensation for emotional distress, including severe weight loss and social stigma.
Court Proceedings and Public Fallout
Simon Kabu has challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, while Sarah denies all allegations. The lawsuit has peeled back the curtain on the couple’s crumbling marriage, contrasting sharply with their carefully curated public persona. JK, now residing in Meru County, claims the ordeal has left her traumatized and socially isolated.
The case is set for mention before Justice Bernard Matanga, with legal experts closely monitoring jurisdictional arguments. Meanwhile, the scandal has ignited debates about employer accountability and the exploitation of domestic workers in high-profile households.
