A deadbeat father is one who does not take care of his responsibilities in raising up a child or children he sired.
In Kenya, deadbeat fathers have ranged from celebrities, politicians down to even common Kenyans whether rich or not.
Several influential people in the country have been exposed as deadbeat and the question that is often raised is why do they become deadbeat yet they have the capacity to take care of their children.
A number of factors lead to one being a deadbeat including unplanned pregnancies, lack of attachment to the children, differences with the mother among others.
Below are some of influential Kenyans who have been labeled deadbeat since the year 2022 started.
Charles Owino
Owino is the former police spokesperson who is aspiring to be the governor of Siaya county after the August 9 polls.
He is the most recent influential person to be exposed as a deadbeat father. He was exposed by his own son, Kepha Ochieng’, who is pursuing a Bachelors of Education at Kenyatta University.
The 25-year old said that he lost his mother, who has been fending for him and his siblings, in 2019, and Owino promised to help him complete his studies, something that he has never lived up to.
Ochieng’ said he has to hustle in construction sites and sell sim cards to make ends meet while relying on Helb and orphans sponsorship programmes for his education.
The former police spokesperson however refuted the claims saying that his son is being used by his political competitors to tarnish his name so that his political dream is not achieved.
“He has four siblings and he should be bold to disclose where they are, who is catering for their school fees and all parental needs. It would be a white lie to say he is neglected at age 25 yet he knows the home where his siblings are,” Owino stated.
Anwar Loitiptip
The Lamu senator has a daughter with Samu Mbuvi who is the daughter to former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko. The girl was born in March 2020.
Through a question and answer session last month with her fans, Saumu said that she does not receive any financial assistance from Loitiptip for to cater for their child’s needs.
“Is Lamu Senator supporting his kid?“ the fan asked. Saumu responded to the question saying, “Deadbeat kabisa (completely), he has never supported a thing.”
When reached out to address the issue, the senator refused to give his comment saying that he does not want to tarnish his name, this being a political season.
“What kind of nonsense are you writing? I am a politician and its campaign season. you can’t be calling me about private matters. Lets focus on the agendas that we have. This is my political career…, you will write and it will tarnish my name…
Khaligraph Jones
The award-winning rapper is the father to Miss Cashy’s son and the deadbeat claims once again reemerged recently.
Speaking to Radio presenter Ankali Ray, Miss Cashy said that the Mazishi hitmaker does not care about his son.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t want to support me in raising our child….I don’t know if it is ego or there is someone preventing him from doing so. I am tired, I will struggle on my own, he doesn’t care about his child, ’ Miss Cashy said.
Khaligraph however refused to comment on the issue that has been in the headlines for a number of times.
‘Itisha ma interview za maana na uache maswali za kifala buda. Umeskia!’ The rapper told off Ankali.
Andrew Kibe
Andrew Kibe was recently exposed as a deadbeat father by his baby mama, Sylvia Kibe, who said that he is married to the Whites.
According to her, Kibe left for the US without informing her and he never picks up her calls.
The two met in Langa’ta when Sylvia had gone to wash clothes for people, which was her regular job then.
Kibe promised to give her more money to wash his clothes and within no time they had an affair. As a result, they were blessed with a baby boy that Kibe has never contributed even a shilling on his upbringing.
“Kibe has now blocked me. He should remember the son that he left behind. I will be grateful if he sends even Kshs500 for the baby,” Sylvia told Mutembei TV.
Ali Hassan Joho
Photo|Courtesy
The first governor of Mombasa county, who is also on his final term in office also joined the list of deadbeat fathers.
A week ago, he was exposed by blogger Edgar Obare that he was facing divorce from his Somalian wife, Madina Giovanni Fazzini, over being a deadbeat and infidelity.
According to sources, Giovanni had to transfer their children from a private school to a public one due to financial constraints.
In the court documents, Giovanni said that they separated with Joho in 2013 and their chances of reuniting are very minimal.
Giovanni got married to Joho as his first wife in 2011 and the two have two children aged 9 and 8.
RELATED STORY:Andrew Kibe Alitoroka Akaniacha Na Mtoto, Alioleka Kwa Wazungu- Sylvia Kibe Opens Up
