Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has suffered a major legal blow in a Ksh 2.5 million child maintenance case.
The senator had gone to court seeking to halt proceedings in a suit filed against him by a woman who claims he fathered a daughter with her.
The woman alleges that Thang’wa has failed to provide adequate support for their 21-year-old daughter.
She is demanding Ksh 2.5 million in arrears, citing years of neglect.
Thang’wa had argued that the child is now an adult and, therefore, he should not be compelled to continue supporting her.
However, the court ruled that the case should proceed to full hearing.
The judge noted that parental responsibilities are not automatically extinguished once a child turns 18, especially if there is ongoing dependency.
The court also stated that the constitutional and legal obligations of a parent do not vanish with age but must be weighed against the specific needs of the child.
The woman claimed that she raised the child alone and that Thang’wa had not been involved in her upbringing.
She stated that the senator only began disputing paternity once the matter landed in court.
According to her, Thang’wa was fully aware of the child and had supported her sporadically in the past.
She accused him of deliberately avoiding responsibility now that the child is pursuing higher education.
The case has drawn public interest due to the senator’s political position and the sensitivity of the matter.
Thang’wa, in his defense, insisted that he had not been formally recognized as the father and questioned the timing of the suit.
He also raised concerns over the amount being demanded, terming it exaggerated.
But the court dismissed his preliminary objections, allowing the suit to proceed.
The judge emphasized that the child’s welfare must remain central to the proceedings.
This ruling means Thang’wa will have to respond to the allegations and possibly face a full trial.
The senator has not yet indicated whether he will appeal the decision.
Observers say the case could have political implications depending on its outcome.
For now, the matter remains in court awaiting further directions.
By Nairobi