A high-ranking Cabinet Secretary is embroiled in a heated legal dispute with his estranged lover, who is demanding over Ksh.6 million in reimbursements for child-related expenses. The woman, identified in court documents as Ms. FMM, claims she has solely shouldered the cost of raising their child since birth, and now wants the government official to take full financial responsibility.
The case, filed at the Milimani Magistrate’s Court in Nairobi, centers around a child born in August 2023 after what both parties describe as a brief romantic relationship. Ms. FMM, who currently lives and works in Dubai, is also pushing for full custody, future financial support, and a name change for the child.
Adding another layer to the conflict, she is requesting the CS to help her relocate with the child to a Western country – preferably the United States or a European nation – citing better opportunities and long-term stability.
Threats, Cultural Demands, and Alleged Extortion Claims Surface
In an unusual twist, court documents reveal that Ms. FMM’s parents allegedly demanded cows from the Cabinet Secretary as cultural compensation for impregnating their daughter – an expectation the CS flatly rejected.
The CS, whose identity remains confidential to protect the child’s welfare, turned to the Children’s Court in Milimani for intervention. He accuses Ms. FMM of harassing him through repeated phone calls and claims she is trying to extort him.
He says she threatened to expose him on social media for allegedly neglecting their child if he failed to help them acquire foreign passports and secure residency in countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or within the EU.
Through his lawyer, Cecil Miller, the CS alleges that Ms. FMM’s demands escalated beyond child support. She reportedly requested access to lucrative government tenders and even asked for a blank cheque to name her own financial figure.
“These demands are outrageous and horrid, considering I am a government employee. Some of the demands also violate Chapter Six of the Constitution on the integrity of public servants,” the CS says in court papers.
Despite the mounting pressure, the CS has offered to take joint parental responsibility, proposing a 50:50 split. He pledged to fully handle the child’s medical expenses and general upkeep but insists on clearly defined boundaries regarding financial commitments.
DNA Test Confirms Paternity, But Dispute Over Financial Role Continues
A paternity test carried out in December 2024 confirmed the CS as the biological father. Ms. FMM says she paid Ksh.30,920 for the DNA test and now wants that amount refunded. She accuses the CS, referred to in legal filings as the “Claimed Subject”, of refusing to take responsibility, emotionally or financially, despite the test results.
“I have had actual custody of the minor since birth and have provided for all needs including food, shelter, clothing and medical care. The plaintiff has not contributed emotionally, psychologically or financially,” Ms. FMM asserts in her affidavit.
Her lawyer, Paula C. Ng’etich, argues that the CS only acknowledged paternity after the DNA test and has failed to follow through with any meaningful support.
“Despite the positive DNA result, the plaintiff has failed to take up his parental responsibilities, prompting this counterclaim,” the lawyer states.
Ms. FMM has itemized her expenses, amounting to Ksh.6,066,680, covering the child’s housing, food, transport, medical care, clothing, and other basic needs incurred in both Kenya and Dubai.
Naming Rights, Schooling Disagreements, and Communication Breakdown
Another point of contention is the child’s official name. Ms. FMM explains that a Dubai judge assigned the child’s last two names based on Sharia law. She now wants to amend the birth certificate in Kenya.
However, the CS strongly opposes the change, arguing that as a Kenyan citizen, the child should have the right to decide on any name alterations upon reaching adulthood.
In terms of education, the CS has made specific proposals. He is willing to cover half of the school fees when the child starts nursery. By age 12, he wants the child enrolled in a public school in Kenya, highlighting the government’s free education program.
He has firmly ruled out funding private or international secondary school tuition.
Beyond education, he has offered to pay one-third of housing costs but strictly at Kenyan rates.
His legal team has also warned Ms. FMM to stop direct communication with the CS, insisting that all correspondence should go through legal representatives due to the ongoing litigation.
While tensions remain high, both parties are currently exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement to resolve the matter amicably.
