A Nakuru court on Thursday granted a reprieve to Collins Kibet, the grandson of former President Daniel Arap Moi, after suspending a seven-day civil jail term in a case where he was accused of neglecting his children. The court ruling provided temporary relief to Kibet, who had been arrested and jailed for failing to meet his child support obligations.

Kibet was released on a personal bond of Ksh 1 million following a petition filed by his lawyers, Andrew Muge and George Sakimpa of Muge Law Advocates. They successfully argued that their client was willing to resolve the issues that had resulted in the civil jail sentence. Nakuru Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion, who presided over the case, noted that it was in the best interest of the children for both parties to have more time to address the underlying issues.

Highlights:

• Collins Kibet was released on a Ksh 1 million bond after serving part of a civil jail term.
• His lawyers petitioned the court for a review, arguing he was ready to settle the child support matter.
• The court ruling emphasised the need to prioritize the children’s welfare in the ongoing case.

Uncollected Support for Children

Kibet was initially arrested on September 18, 2024, in Ongata Rongai after being on the run for an extended period following a warrant of arrest. He had been accused by his estranged wife, Gladys Jeruto Tagi, of neglecting their two children and failing to provide child support since 2021. Tagi’s accusations were rooted in Kibet’s inability to fulfil his financial obligations, which he had claimed were due to financial difficulties.

Kibet’s lawyers emphasized in court that he had faced significant financial challenges, revealing that Kibet was living on a “well-wisher’s budget.” Despite this, his failure to comply with court orders led to his remand at Nakuru GK Prisons, where he began serving a civil jail term on September 1, 2024.

Court’s Decision and Next Steps

Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion, in his ruling, acknowledged Kibet’s recent efforts to comply with previous court orders, which contributed to the decision to release him on bond. However, the magistrate warned that Kibet’s release was subject to a judicial review, and a notice to show cause why he should not be committed to civil jail will be heard on October 9, 2024.

“The court’s decision is reviewed and verified, subject to your availability on the 9th of October,” the magistrate cautioned, adding that the ruling was guided by the constitutional rights of the children involved.

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Background on the Case

Kibet’s legal troubles date back to 2021, when his ex-wife, Gladys Jeruto Tagi, accused him of failing to provide for their two children. Kibet, who claimed he was broke, had insisted that he was financially incapable of supporting the children, as he was dependent on a well-wisher. His arrest in September 2024 followed his failure to adhere to the court’s child support orders. The case continues to highlight the legal and moral responsibilities parents have towards their children, regardless of financial or personal difficulties.