Former President Daniel Moi's embattled grandson Collins Kibet has softened his stance on child support, proposing measures to ensure his children benefit from his family's privileges.
This follows a protracted legal battle over his alleged neglect of parental responsibilities.
Mr Kibet, who is facing a contempt of court case for disobeying orders issued in June 2022, submitted proposals on Wednesday to provide for the two children and expressed his willingness to introduce his children to some of the benefits he is entitled to by virtue of his relationship with the country's second head of state.
He has offered to enrol them in the prestigious Kabarak Group of Schools and to cover their medical expenses through the Kabarak Health Care Centre.
“The defendant shall ensure the enrolment of the minors in the Kabarak Group of Schools for their education. He shall cater to the minors’ medical needs through Kabarak Health Care Centre while both parents shall have shared access to the minors during school holidays,” stated Mr Kibet in his court filings.
Mr Kibet also wants the children's mother, Gladys Jeruto Tagi, to retain legal custody. Both parents, he suggests, should contribute to the cost of food, clothing and entertainment during their time with the children.
This comes after the court summoned Mr Kibet to explain why he should not be punished for failing to comply with orders requiring him to contribute Sh1.6 million annually towards his children's needs, including education, medical care and entertainment.
The orders were issued by Senior Resident Magistrate Benjamin Limo after Ms Tagi accused Mr Kibet of neglecting his parental responsibilities. She later returned to court in February seeking to have him punished for non-compliance and to be reimbursed Sh2.2 million for expenses incurred since the 2022 judgment.
The dispute escalated, resulting in an arrest warrant and a one-week prison sentence for Mr Kibet in September. The sentence was lifted after he pledged to cooperate, prompting the court to issue a fresh notice to show cause
In his defence, Mr Kibet, who is the son of Moi's eldest son Jonathan Toroitich, described himself as destitute and struggling with mental health problems. He said he was unemployed, homeless and relied on well-wishers to survive with a monthly expenditure of just Sh7,000.
His plight, he said, began after he lost close family members, including his mother, father, grandfather and aunt, who cared for him.
Their loss threw him off balance and he fell into severe depression and alcoholism, which necessitated his admission to a psychiatric facility.
However, Mr Kibet indicated that he was able to access some benefits from the family.
“I can access some benefits in kind at the Kabarak Trust, such as quality education and healthcare,” said Mr Kibet.
The maintenance proposal, he said, reflects his financial situation while ensuring the welfare of the children.
Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibet directed Ms Tagi to respond to the application for consent before the matter comes up for hearing on January 15, 2025.
