Collins Kibet, a grandson of the late President Daniel Arap Moi, has been jailed once again after a court found him in contempt for failing to enroll his two children in school, despite repeated court orders compelling him to do so.

The magistrate ruled that Kibet had persistently ignored clear directives requiring him to take full responsibility for the education and welfare of the children he shares with his estranged wife, Gladys Jeruto Tagi.

The court described his actions as a deliberate refusal to obey the law, despite several opportunities to comply.

This ruling marks the latest chapter in a long-running legal dispute in which Kibet has been accused of neglecting his parental duties. The children’s mother has continuously raised alarm over his failure to pay school fees, saying the minors have suffered emotionally due to their disrupted education.

In September 2024, Kibet had already served a one-week jail term after failing to comply with previous court orders in the same matter. At that time, Nakuru Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion called his conduct a direct challenge to court authority, warning that continued defiance would lead to tougher penalties.

After evading police for months, Kibet was recently arrested in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, and brought before the court to face the consequences of his non-compliance.

During the court session, lawyer Elizabeth Wangari, representing Tagi, told the court that Kibet had repeatedly failed to honour promises made both in and out of court. “Even after his arrest and appearance at the police station, our efforts to settle the matter out of court collapsed,” she said. “Kibet has shown no willingness to take responsibility or resolve the issue.”

Wangari also told the court that the children’s education had stalled due to unpaid fees at Mustard Seed International School, and that the prolonged disruption had caused the minors emotional distress.

In response, Kibet’s legal team defended him by stating that he was struggling financially and caught up in succession disputes related to the vast estates of his late father, Jonathan Moi, and grandfather, former President Moi. “Our client is not avoiding responsibility. He simply lacks the financial means to meet the demands placed on him,” his lawyer said.

The defence also claimed that Kibet had not been properly served with summons or made aware of the warrant for his arrest, further complicating his ability to respond to the legal proceedings.

“He has no stable source of income, and the amount being demanded runs into millions,” the lawyer added.

Despite the defence’s pleas, the court maintained that the best interest of the children must take priority and found Kibet in contempt once more.