Gone are the days when women could receive money from admirers or lovers for a specific purpose, such as transport fare, and spend it on something else without facing consequences. A recent case in Nairobi highlights this shift, thanks to the Small Claims Court.
A Nairobi man successfully sued his lover after she failed to attend his birthday celebration despite receiving money meant for her transport. The woman, a teacher at Kianguru Primary School, had been sent Sh3,000 to cover her taxi fare. However, she did not show up and later switched off her phone.
Feeling aggrieved, the man filed a case at the Milimani Small Claims Court. He presented evidence including M-Pesa statements and WhatsApp conversations exchanged before and after the transaction. The court ruled in his favor, ordering the teacher to repay the fare amount of Sh3,000, plus Sh750 interest and Sh20,000 in damages for emotional distress.
The teacher was briefly detained while awaiting payment of the damages, which was arranged by her family. This case serves as a reminder that failing to honor commitments can have both legal and personal consequences, reinforcing the importance of accountability in relationships.