Senator Ledama Olekina Denies Knowing a Woman Who Has Sued Him for Child Upkeep
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has denied knowing a woman who has sued him for child maintenance.
Through his lawyer Kethi Kilonzo, Ledama told the court that he does not know who Esther Wanjiru Gatume is and has never met her.
“I do not know the child. It is not true that I had any relations with the woman,” Ledama said.
The first-time senator wants the court to order a DNA test to ascertain the paternity of the child.
Wanjiru filed the suit in November last year demanding Sh350,000 in monthly child support from Senator Ledama.
In an application filed at Milimani law courts, she accused the senator of neglecting his responsibility of taking care of the minor, who is his biological son.
She asked the court to compel Ledama to pay interim child support of Sh200,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The applicant says she met Senator Ledama in September 2019 and the two entered into an intimate relationship, leading to the birth of the child in October 2020. Wanjiru claims the senator cut off communication with her immediately after she informed him that she was carrying his child.
“When I conceived and realized I was pregnant, I immediately informed the respondent that he was going to be a father. But to my dismay and utter shock the respondents cut off communication with me,” Wanjiru says in court documents.
“I was left with no other choice but to settle all the cost and bills during the pregnancy, scans, birthing without any involvement or assistance of the respondent.”
She adds that Olekina has remained silent despite informing him when the child was born and requesting him to take responsibility.
Wanjiru is demanding Sh350,000 per month to cater for house help (Sh17,000), food (Sh50,000), medical (Sh40,000), shelter (Sh80,000), clothing (Sh50,000), entertainment (Sh43,000), utility bills (Sh50,000) and service charge of Sh20,000.
She argues that the respondent is a member of parliament and a prolific businessman with a steady income and excessive means to provide for the minor. She attached medical bills and receipts in the court papers.