This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
Published on August 25, 2021, Bishop David Muriithi of House of Grace Church has responded to a child maintenance suit filed by his former lover, Judy Mutave Muasya, seeking Sh100,000 monthly allowance for their two-year-old son.
Muriithi, in his replying affidavit, stated that he is willing to take responsibility for the child but can only afford Sh10,000 monthly upkeep due to his limited means and dependence on well-wishers.
He also pledged to pay for his son's school fees, but only when the child attains school-going age.
"That as a responsible Kenyan, I offer to take full responsibility of paying fees for the minor as well as payment of 10,000 per month for the minor's upkeep," Muriithi said in a sworn statement.
Muriithi admitted to having a short-lived on-and-off relationship with Judy Mutave Muasya, which ended in 2018. He noted that Judy is currently enjoying a comfortable home with her teenage son and the baby he sired.
Muriithi argued that Judy ran a good business during their relationship and is therefore able to cater for the child.
He denied knowing about the pregnancy as claimed by Judy Mutave, stating that he only learned about it long after the relationship ended.
"The first time I learnt of the pregnancy was long after the relationship ended when I called to say hello and in the process, she casually informed me that she was at St. Mary to deliver a baby which shocked me and so she is lying that I knew about the pregnancy," court papers noted.
Muriithi further contested the choice of school for his son, stating that he was not consulted before Judy "settled for the high-end Kiota School". He said he cannot afford the institution's fees because he does not have a regular income.
The man of the cloth also dismissed Judy's demand for Sh10,000 to cater for a househelp, stating that she had one even before getting the child in question and the minor does not mean he has to take up the responsibility.
Muriithi has also taken an issue with Judy's "misconception" that he leads a lavish lifestyle, accusing her of extortion and sensationalizing her suit in a bid to pressure him into paying her demands.
