A Nairobi court has directed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to provide adequate financial support to an estranged woman and their young child while a child maintenance case filed against him proceeds in court.
The case, which has attracted public attention due to Wetang’ula’s prominent political position, revolves around allegations that he abandoned his family and failed to meet his parental responsibilities.
Court Orders Interim Financial Support
The matter came before Principal Magistrate C.A. Ocharo, where the woman requested that the application be certified as urgent.
According to court documents, she told the court that her child has been experiencing severe financial hardship after Wetang’ula allegedly stopped providing adequate support.
The magistrate directed that interim financial assistance be provided pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
Relationship Dating Back More Than Two Decades
The woman claims she first met Wetang’ula in 2003, and the two later began living together as husband and wife.
She further states that their relationship was formally recognized under Bukusu customary law in 2011.
According to her court filings, she gave birth to their first child in September 2011 and is currently expecting their second child.
She alleges that the family relationship deteriorated after Wetang’ula reportedly left the family and ceased providing sufficient financial support.
Claims of Family Abandonment
In her application, the woman says she has been forced to shoulder the responsibility of raising their child alone after the alleged abandonment.
She is asking the court to compel Wetang’ula to contribute adequately toward the child’s welfare, arguing that he has the financial capacity to do so because of his earnings as both a senior politician and an advocate.
She also seeks legal custody of the child should the court determine that the couple is permanently separated.
Child Maintenance Demands
The woman is requesting the court to order Wetang’ula to provide:
- KSh 270,000 per month for child maintenance.
- KSh 120,000 annually for clothing and related expenses.
- KSh 75,000 per school term to cover education costs.
She maintains that both parents have an equal legal obligation to provide for their child’s upbringing and welfare.
Claims She Left Employment
The petitioner further claims that Wetang’ula encouraged her to resign from her job so she could become a full-time housewife.
Since the alleged separation, she says she has relied on financial support from her mother to meet daily household needs, but the assistance has not been sufficient to adequately care for the child.
Wetang’ula Acknowledges Customary Marriage
In his response before the court, Wetang’ula reportedly acknowledged that the two entered into a marriage under Bukusu customary law in 2011.
The court directed both parties to appear for an inter partes hearing, where each side will have the opportunity to present evidence before the matter is determined.
Legal Importance of Child Maintenance Cases in Kenya
Under Kenyan law, both parents have a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their children regardless of the status of their relationship. Courts typically consider the child’s best interests, each parent’s financial ability, and the child’s needs when determining maintenance obligations.
The outcome of this case could clarify the extent of parental responsibilities where customary marriages and child support disputes intersect.
Conclusion
As the case proceeds through the Nairobi court, attention will remain focused on the legal issues surrounding child maintenance, parental responsibility, and family welfare. The court’s final determination will establish whether the requested maintenance and custody orders should be granted based on the evidence presented by both parties.
