[2016] KEHC 61 (KLR)
The court found that the appellants failed to demonstrate, even on a prima facie basis, that their appeal had an overwhelming chance of success. Furthermore, no exceptional circumstances were shown that would justify the grant of bail pending appeal. The court emphasized that the status of the appellants as...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2016] KEHC 61 (KLR)
- Parties
- Appellant: Annah Nyanduko Osoro; Appellant: Yusabia Kemunto Abunga Alias Grace Kerubo Osoro; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nyamira
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Appeal 16 of 2016
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Ruling on Application for Bail Pending Appeal
- Outcome
- application dismissed
- Judges
- CB Nagillah
- Legal Topics
- Bail Pending Appeal, Exceptional Circumstances, Overwhelming Chance of Success
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Annah Nyanduko Osoro
Appellant
Yusabia Kemunto Abunga Alias Grace Kerubo Osoro
Appellant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Ruling on Application for Bail Pending Appeal
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the appellants have demonstrated an overwhelming chance of success in their appeal to warrant bail pending appeal.
- 2 Whether exceptional circumstances exist to justify granting bail pending appeal.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the appellants failed to demonstrate, even on a prima facie basis, that their appeal had an overwhelming chance of success. Furthermore, no exceptional circumstances were shown that would justify the grant of bail pending appeal. The court emphasized that the status of the appellants as convicts, rather than accused persons, means they do not enjoy the presumption of innocence. The grounds advanced, including previous good conduct, hardship, and illness, were deemed insufficient, as medical needs can be addressed within the prison system. The application for bail pending appeal was therefore dismissed for lack of merit.
Court Disposition
application dismissed
Orders
- The application for bail pending appeal is dismissed.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
40 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NYAMIRA
CRIMINALAPPEALNO.16 OF 2016
[From original conviction and sentence in Criminal case no. 1013 of 2012 of the Principal Magistrate's Court at Keroka]
1. ANNAH NYANDUKO OSORO
2. YUSABIA KEMUNTO.............APPELLANTS
-VERSUS-
REPUBLIC..................................RESPONDENT
RULING
This application dated 21st July 2016 is brought under S. 36 of the Criminal procedure code for the two appellants/Applicants Anna Nyanduko Osoroand Yusabia Kemunto Abunga Alias Grace Kerubo Osoro, both seek to be admitted to bond or bail pending the hearing and determination of their appeal.
The two convicts were charged for the offence of obtaining money by false pretense contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code and making a document without authority. They pleaded not guilty and the matter was duly heard before Keroka principal Magistrate’s Court. A judgment was delivered on 15th day of May 2016 in which both found guilty as charged and were duly convicted and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment on Count 1and 4 years imprisonment on Count No. 2.
However, being dissatisfied, they have decided to appeal and have duly filed a petition of appeal on 23rd May 2016, as High Court Criminal Appeal No. 16 of 2016 at Nyamira high Court. And they now apply to be admitted to bond/bail pending their appeal. This is the subject matter which requires courts decision.
SUBMISSIONS
(a) By Mr. Bwonwong’a, learned counsel for the two appellant.
That the appellants were released on bond at the hearing in the lower court and that they duly complied with the terms of the bond. They would do the same if given bond.
That both have children who will suffer if they are not released on bond.
Thatthe 2nd appellant is a widow
That the 2nd appellant is sickly, her continued incarceration will affect her health.
That their appeal has overwhelming chance of success.
(b) By Mr. Ochieng, learned counsel for the prosecution, in opposing submitted that:
That my application for bond/bail pending appeal is based on two known legal principles that have been set out through judicial aouthorities:
(i) That the appeal has overwhelming chance of success
(ii) That there exists exceptional circumstances that merit the granting of the application.
None has been shown by the learned counsel for the appellant/applicant.
That the two applicants are convicts and as such they don't enjoy the status of the accused persons who are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
That issues of previous good conduct and hardship are not good grounds to support this application.
That issues of sickness can be handled at the prison facilities where the convicts are being held.
That the Respondent rely on authority of Criminal application No. 14 of 1986 of the court of appeal, by Nyarangi, Platt and Gachuhi JJA.
The analysis by the Court
The court has perused the affidavit by the appellants/applicants sworn on 25th July 2016. The court has also considered the submissions by the two learned counsels and they rely thereof. The court has looked and read the legal authority by the Respondent counsel. The court finds that there is no merit in this application for admission to bond/bail. The overwhelming chance of this appeal succeeding has not been demonstrated albeit on prima facie basis. Neither is there an exceptional circumstances that warrants the granting of this application which has equally not been demonstrated by the applicant counsel.
Therefor there is no merits to this application.
The application is therefore dismissed.
Orders accordingly.
Dated and delivered at Nyamira High Court this 6th day of October 2016.
C. B. NAGILLAH
JUDGE
In the presence of :
Anyona hold brief for Bwonwong’a for the Appellants
Ochieng for the Respondent
Omayio – Court Clerk