A Nakuru court has issued a warrant of arrest against the grandson of the late former President Daniel Moi, who has failed to honor court summons for months.
The court had on four occasions summoned Kibet, who is the late Jonathan Toroitich’s elder son, to appear and explain why he had not honored child maintenance orders.
In mid-2022, a Nakuru court ordered Kibet to pay Sh1.5 million annually to support his children with his former wife, Ms. Gladys Jeruto Tagi.
The court initially issued the summons on February 5, requiring Mr. Kibet’s presence on February 21 to explain why he should not be committed to civil jail due to contempt of court.
However, his lawyer, who attended the virtual court session on February 25, stated that he had received the orders that morning, rendering compliance impossible for their client.
The court extended the orders to March 6 and subsequently to March 13. On March 19, the Magistrate issued a final extension, while cautioning the younger Moi against disregarding court orders.
Today, Mr. Steve Biko, the lawyer representing Ms. Tagi, informed the court that all attempts to serve Mr. Kibet with the orders were unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.
He added that attempts to trace and serve him, at Kabarak in Nakuru and Kabarnet Gardens in Nairobi, were a challenge due to high security on the two premises.
“We request the court to issue a warrant of arrest since the defendant seems to be in hiding, making it difficult for us to serve him,” Mr. Biko said.
Nakuru Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion ordered the arrest of Mr. Kibet and directed the Officer Commanding Station – Nakuru Central Police to enforce the orders.
The court learned that Ms. Jeruto has faced financial difficulties and is unable to continue providing for the two children, who have been unable to attend school due to a lack of fees.
The matter comes up in court on May 15 for direction.
