This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
Divorce cases involving high-profile individuals have been a common occurrence in Kenya, with several cases making headlines in recent years.
One such case is that of Kipkemoi Ruto, a 86-year-old farmer and politician, who was granted a divorce by an Eldoret court in 2018. The court approved his divorce from Naomi Jeptoo, his third wife, after he successfully divorced his second wife in October 2017.
According to the court, the couple's 43-year-old marriage was 'irretrievable.' Kibor had accused Jeptoo of deserting their matrimonial home with their six children.
Another high-profile divorce case is that of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who filed for a divorce from his ex-wife, Prof Beverle Michele Lax, in 2009. Mutunga accused Lax of cruelty, while Lax accused him of denying her conjugal rights and demanded payment of Sh150,000 a month in maintenance.
Former President Daniel arap Moi's son, Gideon Moi, was also involved in a high-profile divorce case in 2012. He was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Rossana Pluda, in excess of Sh250,000 a month for maintenance, as well as Sh7 million lump sum following their separation.
Pluda presented evidence to the court that Moi could not have been broke, as he had bought a luxurious Sh750,000 television and installed a hot tub worth Sh300,000 at his Muthaiga home.
Former Sports, Culture and Arts CS Hassan Wario's divorce case with Kaltum Dima Guyo, his former wife, also made headlines in 2016. Wario was ordered to pay Dima Sh400,000 per month in maintenance, among other expenses.
Transcend Media Group owner, Njeru, was also involved in a high-profile divorce case in 2014 with his wife, Anne Evelyn Wambui. Wambui accused him of battering her and locking her out of their matrimonial home in Lavington.
