An unpopular ruling made by Justice Muchelule in April has been a topic of discussion on social media.
In the child support case between a divorced couple, the judge ruled that the man should support his two children by paying their school and medical fees.
One of the children (second-born) is the man's biological child, but another (first-born) is the man's stepchild. The man met the woman while 5 months pregnant with the child and took responsibility for it, including giving the child his surname.
"In any case, as the stepfather of the child, he brought her up, took her to school and provided for its medical. The trial court considered the role of a step-parent"..... "and found that because of the 14 years that the appellant had related with the child and provided for her in all ways, and given her his name, he should be considered to have assumed responsibility over her in the same way a father would," the court ruled.
The issue of the man being compelled to take care of his non-biological child has been debated on social media platforms.
Mpasho asked Kenyans on social media men should gladly take responsibility for the child if they would be in the same situation.
Here are some of their opinions on the scenario;
@ Chege - "It is the law! So of course it's unfair...but sheria ndio kusema! As long as you guys were married...the man can be compelled by law to provide for the children... even if they're not his."
@Dylan - "Once you have accepted the woman with her kids, providing for them becomes your obligation."
@ John - "It's Very Unfair, That's Should be the Man's Decision not the Judge."
@ Carol - "It is unfair, with all due respect let's cut these men some slack. Let the biological parents take responsibility period."
@ Stadely - "If they are not providing for the ones they have fathered how can they manage the outside one women learn from me if you can't take gd care of your child/, children please use family planning hii story ya kulea hitaki slayer life is hard judge can say anything but you forever remain the mom and you must provide for that child."
@ Jared - "Kuna biological father and legal father.... Both have almost the same responsibilities unfortunately."
@ Charles - "It's obvious that the alleged lady is taking advantage of the Man's fortune.."
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