Collins Kibet, the grandson of the late former President Daniel Moi, has been sentenced to seven days in prison for failing to meet child support obligations. The Nakuru court delivered the ruling on Thursday after Kibet disobeyed orders to provide financial support for his two children.
Highlights:
- Collins Kibet was sentenced to seven days of imprisonment for failing to pay child support.
- His wife, Gladys Jeruto Tagi, filed the case.
- Kibet was arrested after a seven-month search and taken to Nakuru GK Prison.
Court Ruling and Details
Nakuru Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion issued the ruling after Kibet was found in contempt of court orders. He had failed to provide for his children with his estranged wife, Gladys Jeruto Tagi. Kibet was arrested on Wednesday in Ongata Rongai, Nairobi, after evading authorities for seven months.
During the hearing, the court heard that Kibet had not made any payments for his children’s upkeep, prompting his estranged wife to ask for his civil imprisonment. The magistrate ordered that Kibet be remanded at Nakuru GK Prison for seven days. He further directed Kibet’s lawyers to calculate the total amount owed for child support and present it to the defence lawyers within three days. The case is scheduled for mention on September 26, 2024, to confirm compliance.
Ongoing Disputes
Kibet’s legal team requested more time to resolve the child support issue, citing financial difficulties and ongoing family disputes over inheritance. Kibet’s lawyer argued that his client has been entangled in property succession battles involving his late father and grandfather’s vast estates. Kibet had earlier told the court that he was unable to meet his children’s financial needs as he was broke and living off well-wishers.
Kibet’s Long-running Child Support Struggles
Kibet’s troubles date back to 2021, when his estranged wife, Tagi, first filed the child support case. She accused him of neglecting their children by failing to provide financial assistance, including tuition fees for their education at Mustard Seed International School. The children’s school enrolment was disrupted, causing them significant emotional distress.
Despite being part of the influential Moi family, Kibet has faced multiple legal and financial challenges. His failure to comply with the court’s child support order further strained his relationship with Tagi. This latest arrest marks a significant point in the ongoing legal battle between the two. Kibet’s financial struggles and the unresolved inheritance disputes over his family’s wealth have been central to his defence.
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