Shaheen Saif Saeed, a Kenyan born athlete who is now a Qatari citizen, is fighting allegations of neglecting his wife and children.
Mr Saeed, who holds the 3,000 metres steeplechase world record, was known as Stephen Cherono before changing citizenship 15 years ago.
His wife Monica Kangogo has filed a civil suit accusing the athletics champion of failing to provide for their children aged between four and 12 years since they separated nearly two years ago.
In the suit filed at the Eldoret Children’s court, Ms Kangogo wants the court to compel Saeed to pay for maintenance, education, upkeep and medical needs of the children.
She has not indicated the amount she is demanding from the runner, but said the court will determine.
“I have been forced to rent a small house where I share a room with my children and the house help. Efforts to have Saeed provide for us have borne no fruit,” she told the court.
Evicted family
The court heard that Saeed evicted Kangogo and the children from their Elgon View estate house, subjecting them to suffering.
She initiated the court process after undergoing a DNA test as demanded by Saeed. The test showed he was the biological father of the three children.
Ms Kangogo told Senior Resident Magistrate Emily Kigen the runner had abdicated his parental responsibilities since they parted ways.
She argued that the children were no longer enjoying the good life they were used to before the separation.
In his defence, Saeed said he was not a man of means. He said he survived by doing menial jobs in Eldoret town, making a paltry Sh5,000 a month.
No money
Saeed told the court he could only pay the children’s school fees. He said he could not provide for his estranged wife.
He argued that she should pay rent, clothing and food for the children since she earned a salary.
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“I am just a hustler in this town. I don’t earn a salary. I am living with a woman who is helping me meet costs such as rent and food,” Saeed said.
He, however, admitted that he owned a 200 acre land in Sergoit.
Mr Kigen directed the two parties to return to court on 24 January for a ruling.
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