In a significant legal development that has captured public attention, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has suffered a setback.
In his bid to halt the enforcement of a KSh 2.5 million child maintenance arrears order.
The High Court, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, dismissed his application seeking a stay of execution.
Thus, effectively upholding the lower court’s decision that mandated him to settle the outstanding payments for the upkeep of his child.
The court’s decision allows the case, initiated by the mother of his 21-year-old daughter, to proceed in the lower court.
Background of the Case
The dispute centers on an application filed by Jackline Kamene.
Who claims that Senator Thang’wa failed to provide financial support for their daughter.
Particularly concerning her education expenses.
Kamene asserts that she has borne the full financial responsibility for their daughter’s high school.
And college education, leading to accumulated arrears totaling KSh 2,575,206.
In response, Senator Thang’wa sought to stay the proceedings, arguing that defending himself in court would result in substantial financial and reputational harm.
He contended that the ongoing legal battle was causing him significant loss.
High Court’s Ruling
Justice Helene Namisi presided over the appeal and found no compelling reason to halt the proceedings.
She stated that the senator had not demonstrated how responding to the Notice to Show Cause and participating in the trial would lead to a substantial loss.
The judge emphasized that the appeal would not be rendered ineffective merely because the trial court continued to evaluate the application on its merits.
Daughter’s Testimony
In an affidavit dated November 22, 2024, the senator’s daughter acknowledged that her father had consistently provided for her maintenance.
Despite a 2019 court ruling not mandating maintenance, she noted that Thang’wa had voluntarily enrolled her in a software engineering course at Moringa College in Nairobi after she completed high school.
However, in a subsequent affidavit dated December 5, 2024, the daughter stated that her father only began providing for her upkeep.
And maintenance from February 2024 by paying school fees at the college.
She asserted that he had not complied with the lower court’s orders, prompting her mother to initiate the Notice to Show Cause.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
With the High Court’s dismissal of the appeal, the case will proceed in the trial court.
Senator Thang’wa is expected to respond to the Notice to Show Cause and participate in the ongoing proceedings.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the senator’s personal and public life.
As well as setting a precedent for similar cases involving public figures.
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