Drama erupted at the Nakuru Law Courts on Wednesday as Collins Kibet, a grandson of the late President Daniel arap Moi, was committed to civil jail for two weeks for contempt of court orders.
Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion made the ruling after finding that Kibet had blatantly ignored a court directive issued on February 13. The orders had required Kibet to enroll one of his children at the Kabarak Group of Schools and to pay school fees for another child in their current institution. Additionally, the court had directed him to register both minors under the Kabarak Health Care Centre’s medical scheme for insurance coverage.
Despite these instructions, it emerged in court that none of the orders had been followed. The magistrate observed that Kibet only began taking action after he was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued on May 8. He was apprehended last week in Rongai, Nairobi County, and transferred to Nakuru Central Police Station, where he has been detained for five days.
Kibet’s legal team argued that he had made efforts to comply with the orders by reaching out to the trustees of the family trust responsible for supporting the children’s welfare. However, the court found these claims insufficient, noting that there was no substantive proof of compliance or meaningful action.
Magistrate Kibellion stated, “I cannot say that the judgment debtor is working towards what constitutes the best interests of the minor. As a parent, he is duty-bound to provide for the children.”
In a further development, the court summoned members of the Moi family trust to appear in court on July 23 to explain why the trust has failed to facilitate compliance with the court orders. The court said it would allow Kibet to continue engaging the trustees but emphasized that the legal obligations toward the children must be met without delay.
The court’s ruling follows a 2022 judgment issued by Resident Magistrate Benjamin Limo, in a case filed by Kibet’s ex-wife, Gladys Jeruto, who accused him of neglecting his parental responsibilities.
The case continues to cast a spotlight on the responsibilities of prominent families in honoring legal and parental duties.
