This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
October 10, 2019, marked a significant day in the ongoing saga of Gilgil MP Martha Wangari's family drama as she filed an application at a Naivasha court seeking to restrain her former husband, Peter Njoroge Karanja, from interacting with their two children until a criminal case he has in court is concluded.
At the center of the case is Karanja's alleged involvement in the murder of Kenya-based Dutch tycoon Tod Cohen, with Sarah Kamotho, Cohen's widow, being the other main suspect.
Wangari's application to the court highlights the potential risks to their children's well-being, stating that they face mental anguish, ridicule, stress, stigma, and danger should Karanja be allowed access to them.
She argued that it would not be in the best interest of justice and fairness for the minor children to interact with Karanja, a person suspected of acts of violence, murder, and immorality, until the criminal process against him is finalized and a verdict made.
Furthermore, Wangari's application claims that Karanja has abandoned his fatherly duties and does not contribute towards the upkeep of the children.
Responding to the application, Karanja's lawyer, Irungu Mburu, told the court that his client's arrest and arraignment in September should not be used to deny him his natural rights to his children.
