NAKURU — Collins Kibet, grandson of the late President Daniel arap Moi, has been sentenced to two weeks in civil jail after failing to obey a court order directing him to enroll his children in Kabarak schools and medical scheme.
Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion ruled Thursday that Kibet had shown no meaningful effort to comply with court directives issued in February and reaffirmed in earlier proceedings. The orders required Kibet to admit one of his children to the Kabarak Group of Schools and continue paying school fees for the other child at their current institution. He was also ordered to enroll both minors in the Kabarak Health Care Centre for medical cover.
The court’s decision came after it emerged that none of the orders had been followed.
“I cannot say that the judgment debtor is working toward what constitutes the best interest of the minors. As a parent, he is duty-bound to provide for the children,” Magistrate Kibellion stated during the Thursday hearing.
Kibet was arrested in Rongai, Nairobi County, last week after failing to comply with an arrest warrant issued on May 8. He was transferred to Nakuru Central Police Station, where he remained in custody for five days before being brought before the court.
The warrant stemmed from a judgment delivered in June 2022 by Resident Magistrate Benjamin Limo. The suit was filed by Kibet’s former spouse, Gladys Jeruto, who accused him of neglecting his parental responsibilities.
In Thursday’s proceedings, Kibet claimed he had tried to contact members of the Kabarak Trust to assist in the school enrollment but had received no cooperation. The court acknowledged the claim but noted that no documentation or formal effort had been submitted as evidence of action.
“The respondent only moved to act after arrest. That does not show genuine commitment to the children’s welfare,” the magistrate added.
The court has now summoned members of the Kabarak Trust to appear on July 23 to explain why they have not helped facilitate the children’s enrollment, as per the directive.
Until then, Kibet will serve a two-week jail term for contempt. The case highlights an ongoing struggle over compliance with court-mandated parental obligations, even among Kenya’s most prominent families.
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