In today’s episode, we discuss if grandparents are obliged to take up the responsibility of their grandchild when both of the child’s parents are unable.

Wakili, I got married in my early 20s and because we were not yet financially stable; we lived with his parents. The mother supported us as long as we were under her roof and during this honeymoon period; I got pregnant. This was my turning point since I got an awakening that was so unsatisfying with our living arrangements. I expressed it to my husband, and it became a thorn in our marriage. I gave birth and my Mother-in-Law footed the bill and was our major financier.

Our marital disputes increased. This was the main reason since I wanted us to have our own. I left, and I went back home. But before I left, we had a meeting with my mother-in-law and my husband. We agreed that she would bankroll everything for my son, but her only condition was that he stayed in her compound. After a few months, my husband got a job, and he moved out with our son since he wanted to be the primary caregiver other than his mother. His mother was not happy, and she cut off my son. I’m wondering can he sue his mother for child support?

Research by Barasa Wanjala (barasa@swalanyeti.org)