[2015] KEELC 366 (KLR)
The court found that Mr. Birech and his firm, having previously acted for the 4th defendant in transactions involving the disputed property, are likely to be in possession of confidential information relevant to the current dispute. The court held that continued representation of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants by...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2015] KEELC 366 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Benard S. Rotich; Defendant: James Kimosbei Tuwei; Defendant: 2nd Defendant; Defendant: 3rd Defendant; Defendant: 4th Defendant
- Court
- Environment and Land Court
- Court Station
- Environment and Land Court at Eldoret
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case 103 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application for Disqualification of Counsel
- Outcome
- application allowed
- Legal Topics
- Conflict of Interest, Disqualification of Counsel, Confidential Information, Land Ownership Dispute
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Benard S. Rotich
Plaintiff
James Kimosbei Tuwei
Defendant
2nd Defendant
Defendant
3rd Defendant
Defendant
4th Defendant
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application for Disqualification of Counsel
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether Mr. Birech and the firm of Birech, Ruto & Company Advocates should be disqualified from representing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants due to conflict of interest.
- 2 Whether Mr. Birech is in possession of confidential information that could prejudice the plaintiff or 4th defendant if he continues to act for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that Mr. Birech and his firm, having previously acted for the 4th defendant in transactions involving the disputed property, are likely to be in possession of confidential information relevant to the current dispute. The court held that continued representation of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants by Mr. Birech would amount to a conflict of interest and could be prejudicial to the plaintiff and the 4th defendant. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal process and avoiding situations where confidential information could be misused. Consequently, the court allowed the application for disqualification of Mr. Birech and his firm from...
Court Disposition
application allowed
Orders
- Mr. Birech Advocate and the firm of Birech, Ruto & Company Advocates are disqualified from representing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants in these proceedings.
- Costs of the application are awarded to the plaintiff/applicant.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
25 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURT OF KENYA AT ELDORET
E&L CASE NO. 103 OF 2015
BENARD S. ROTICH...........................PLAINTIFF
VS
JAMES KIMOSBEI TUWEI & 3 OTHERS.................DEFENDANT
RULING
The application is dated 19/4/2010 and filed on 5/5/2010 in which the applicant seeks orders that Mr. Birech Advocate and the firm of Birech, Ruto & Company who is on record for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants be disqualified from these proceedings for conflict of interest costs of this application be provided for.
The application is based on grounds that Mr. Birech and the firm of Birech, Ruto and company advocates stand to suffer from conflict of interest.
Mr. Birech and the said firm acted for the 4th defendant in numerous transactions.
The plaintiff/applicant is apprehensive that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendant's counsel is in custody of information that would be prejudicial to the plaintiff.
Mr. Birech has confidential information pertaining the dispute in this suit and therefore likely to be called as witness.
The application is supported by the affidavit of Bernard S. Rotich who states that:
The suit herein between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants and myself revolves around a dispute over ownership of plot No. 76 Simba Hills Farm L.R. No.8304.
That it has come to my knowledge that the Mr. Birech counsel now on record for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants represented the 4th defendant company in transaction for the purchase and or acquisition of that property known as Simba Hills Farm L.R. No.8304 by the 4th defendant.
That in the said suit the Hon. Lady justice Gacheche held and indeed upheld that indeed Mr. Birech acted for the 4th defendant in transaction involving the property in dispute.
That from the foregoing, it is imperative that Mr. Birech has confidential information and his Continued representation for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants would be prejudicial to the 4th defendant and me.
That am apprehensive that the information obtained by Mr. Birech, Advocate by virtue of him having represented the 4th defendant may be used to my disadvantage.
The application dated 19/4/2010 has never been opposed. Counsel for 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants was served but never appeared in court Mr. Korir submits that the firm of Birech and company advocates had handled a series of transactions involving the plaintiff and the defendants. Mr Birech has information obtained in confidence.
I do find that the application is merited as I believe the information in possession of Mr. Birech is likely to be prejudicial to the applicant having acted for him.
It is prudent that counsel should not delve into a matter in which he was acted for to either party in a land transaction as this would amount to conflict of interest.
Ultimately I do allow the application dated 19/4/2010 in terms of prayer 1. Costs of the suit to the plaintiff/applicant orders accordingly.
DATED AND DELIVERED AT ELDORET THIS 20TH DAY OF MAY 2015
JUSTICE OMBWAYO ANTONY
ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURT AT ELDORET