A fourth-year student at the University of Kabianga, Maureen Chepkirui, has filed a lawsuit against Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai, seeking KSh 200,000 per month in child support for their one-year-old daughter. Chepkirui claims the governor has abandoned parental responsibilities, providing no emotional or financial care since the child's birth. The petitioner alleges she took the baby to the governor's official residence in Kericho seeking assistance but was denied entry.
The suit also contends that Governor Mutai has withheld his national identity card, preventing the registration of the child's birth certificate. Chepkirui's legal team argues that this violates her constitutional right to a legal identity for the child. The petition seeks to compel the governor to provide his ID details and purchase comprehensive medical insurance for the child.
Chepkirui's lawsuit further requests an additional KSh 200,000 in exemplary damages for alleged constitutional breaches. The petitioner claims the governor's actions have caused emotional distress and financial hardship. The case has been scheduled for a standard hearing, with the primary child-support papers to be formally served on Governor Mutai before the hearing on 28 September.
The Children's Court initially declined an urgent interim order, but a separate court granted the governor an order for parental access. The court directed Chepkirui to allow Governor Mutai to visit the child. This development suggests that the governor may still have a role in the child's life, despite the allegations of abandonment.
Governor Mutai's office has not publicly commented on the allegations. The governor's representatives will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in court. The case has sparked interest in the community, with many calling for the governor to take responsibility for his actions.
The lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by many single mothers in Kenya, particularly those in university. Chepkirui's case has raised concerns about the need for greater support systems for students with children. The outcome of the case may have implications for other similar cases in the country.
The court hearing on 28 September will determine the next steps in the case. Governor Mutai's response to the allegations will be crucial in determining the outcome. The case will likely continue to attract attention from the public and the media, as it raises important questions about parental responsibility and accountability.
Key points
- University of Kabianga student Maureen Chepkirui is suing Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai for child support and identity documentation for their one-year-old daughter.
- The lawsuit seeks KSh 200,000 per month in child support and additional damages for alleged constitutional breaches.
- The case has been scheduled for a standard hearing on 28 September, with the primary child-support papers to be formally served on Governor Mutai before the hearing.
