Senator Karungo Thang’wa Loses Bid to Halt KSh 2.5 Million Child Maintenance Case
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has suffered a major legal setback after the court dismissed his application to stop proceedings in a KSh 2.5 million child maintenance arrears case filed by his former partner, Jackline Kamene.
The senator’s appeal to block the enforcement of the maintenance claim was rejected by Justice Helene Namisi, who ruled that Thang’wa had not demonstrated how defending himself in the ongoing proceedings would result in substantial financial or reputational harm. The ruling clears the way for the Children’s Court to continue evaluating the matter.
“The Respondent has not shown how defending himself in the trial court would result in significant loss,” Justice Namisi stated.
The dispute dates back to an application Kamene filed on September 5, 2024, seeking to recover KSh 2.5 million in unpaid child support. Kamene claimed she had shouldered all high school expenses for their daughter without any assistance from the senator.
Thang’wa had argued that the demand was unjustified and that without a stay of proceedings, he would be unfairly compelled to respond to the KSh 2.5 million claim, which he said would harm his finances and public image.
However, in a twist that complicates the matter, the senator’s 21-year-old daughter submitted an affidavit on November 22, 2024, acknowledging that her father had consistently supported her. She confirmed that although a 2019 court ruling had not imposed any legal maintenance obligation on him, he had voluntarily enrolled her in a software engineering course at Moringa College in Nairobi after her secondary education.
“I have not requested any extension of parental responsibility, nor authorised anyone to file proceedings on my behalf. I am grateful to my father for the support he has given me,” she stated.
The daughter’s statement appears to undermine the core of Kamene’s claim, raising questions about the legal standing and motivation behind the suit.
This is not the first high-profile case involving claims of unpaid child support among Kenyan politicians. In 2023, former Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba was sued by a Ugandan national seeking KSh 236,000 per month in child maintenance, including rent, utilities, food, and entertainment.
With this ruling, Senator Thang’wa must now prepare to face the full weight of legal scrutiny in court. As the proceedings continue, public attention will likely remain fixed on the outcome of a case that straddles personal responsibility and political reputation.
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Senator Karungo Thang’wa Loses Bid to Halt KSh 2.5 Million Child Maintenance Case