Collins Kibet Toroitich Moi, a grandson of the late President Daniel arap Moi, has been sentenced to a fresh two-week jail term for contempt of court over his continued failure to comply with a child support order.
The sentence, handed down at the Nakuru Law Courts on July 10 by Principal Magistrate Kipkirui Kibelion, marks the third time Kibet has been jailed in connection with the high-profile case involving his estranged partner Gladys Jeruto Tagi and their two children.
The legal battle dates back to April 2021, when Ms. Tagi filed a petition accusing Kibet of abandoning their children, then aged 11 and 9. After a DNA test confirmed paternity, the court in June 2022 ordered Kibet to pay approximately KSh 1.5 million annually to cover the children’s school fees, medical insurance, and other expenses.
Despite the ruling, Kibet has reportedly defaulted on the payments. According to Ms. Tagi’s legal filings, she has so far spent over KSh 2.8 million of her own funds to support the children, including more than KSh 1.2 million on school fees alone. The children’s education at Greensteds International School was reportedly disrupted due to unpaid fees.
Kibet’s recent sentencing follows a two-day civil jail stint at Nakuru GK Prison from July 7 to July 9, 2025. He was arrested in late June in Ongata Rongai after evading multiple court summonses and an arrest warrant issued in March.
This is the third jail term Kibet has served in relation to the case. In September 2024, he was sentenced to seven days in jail for contempt after similar non-compliance.
During Thursday’s proceedings, a visibly emotional Kibet broke down in tears and begged for leniency, claiming he was financially destitute.
“I’m sick. I’ve tried. I’ve suffered. Since my father died. I don’t live anywhere… I have asked the president of this country to help me. No one can help me,” he pleaded with the court.
His lawyer reiterated that Kibet was unaware of the recent court summons and argued that he lacks the financial means to comply with the court order, saying: “Look at my client. He can’t afford millions for child support. He has nothing.”
Principal Magistrate Kibelion was unmoved by the plea, noting the continued pattern of defiance and neglect. He ruled that Kibet must serve an additional two-week term in civil jail and warned that failure to comply with the court orders could result in stricter legal consequences, potentially including asset recovery measures or garnishee orders.
“The welfare of the children must take precedence,” the magistrate said. “The respondent has demonstrated a disregard for lawful court orders, and the court cannot tolerate such behavior.”
Though Kibet hails from one of Kenya’s most prominent political families, his financial circumstances remain unclear. Following the death of his father, Jonathan Moi, Kibet has reportedly been embroiled in a separate legal battle over his late father’s estate, which he claims left him financially stranded.
Court documents in that separate matter revealed that he once sought control of a KSh 30 million share of his father’s estate but was blocked, allegedly by family members. In an earlier court affidavit, Kibet stated that he was “unwell and financially dependent on well-wishers.”
Kibet is expected to appear in court again later this month. The court may move to enforce the child support order through alternative means if voluntary compliance continues to fail. Legal experts suggest this could include orders for attachment of property or income, if any assets can be traced to him or the Moi estate.
In the meantime, Ms. Tagi has urged the court to expedite enforcement, citing the ongoing hardship faced by the children.
