A grandson of the late President Daniel arap Moi broke down in tears on Wednesday after a Nakuru court sentenced him to another stint in jail over a long-running child support case.
Collins Kibet Moi, visibly distressed and emotionally overwhelmed, was handed a two-week civil jail sentence — just two days after completing a prior two-day term for contempt of court.
“I’m sick. I’ve suffered since my father died. I don’t have anywhere to live,” he cried out as court orderlies escorted him away. “No one has mercy for orphans anymore. I even begged the president to help me.”
Kibet’s courtroom outburst added fresh drama to an already heated legal battle. The 45-year-old has faced repeated arrests over claims he failed to support his two children, a matter brought before the court by his estranged partner, Gladys Jeruto Tagi.
Back in Court Over Unpaid Support
This week’s hearing followed a July 7 decision by Principal Magistrate Kipkirui Kibelion, who found Kibet in contempt for ignoring earlier court orders. “I commit him to a civil jail term for two days, and we shall return on Wednesday for further directions,” Kibelion said then.
On Wednesday, that “further direction” was a 14-day term in jail.
The case stretches back to 2021 when Ms Tagi first filed suit, alleging Kibet had failed to provide for the basic needs of their children. Despite multiple court orders — including one requiring him to enrol the children at Kabarak Schools and cover their medical insurance — Kibet has consistently failed to comply.
In his defence, Kibet has claimed financial hardship, telling the court he has no income and depends on well-wishers.
Repeated Arrests, Growing Pressure
This is not Kibet’s first brush with the law over the matter. In September 2024, he was sentenced to seven days in prison for defying a similar child support directive. That arrest came after a months-long manhunt that ended with his capture in Ong’ata Rongai.
The court has since demanded a full accounting of arrears owed, directing Kibet’s legal team to submit details to the defence counsel.
A Family Name Under Scrutiny
The public nature of the case — and Kibet’s lineage — has stirred public debate in Kenya, where the legacy of the powerful Moi family still looms large. Daniel arap Moi, the country’s second president, ruled for 24 years until his retirement in 2002. He died in 2020.
Though the Moi family retains considerable influence and wealth, Kibet has repeatedly insisted he receives no support from relatives and is effectively destitute.
“I’ve tried,” he said in court. “But no one is listening.”