[2016] KEHC 1001 (KLR)
The court found that the appellant's plea was not unequivocal, as the record only reflected the words 'kweli' and 'facts are correct' without further explanation or inquiry by the trial magistrate to ensure the accused understood the consequences of his plea. Additionally, the absence of mitigation deprived the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2016] KEHC 1001 (KLR)
- Parties
- Appellant: Bernard Kipkorir Kikwai; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kericho
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Appeal 47 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Judgment
- Outcome
- conviction and sentence set aside; retrial ordered
- Judges
- GO Shikwe
- Legal Topics
- Plea Taking, Sentencing Principles, Grievous Harm, First Offender Rights
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Bernard Kipkorir Kikwai
Appellant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the appellant's plea of guilty was unequivocal.
- 2 Whether the sentence of life imprisonment for a first offender was lawful and appropriate.
- 3 Whether the absence of mitigation affected the fairness of the proceedings.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the appellant's plea was not unequivocal, as the record only reflected the words 'kweli' and 'facts are correct' without further explanation or inquiry by the trial magistrate to ensure the accused understood the consequences of his plea. Additionally, the absence of mitigation deprived the appellant of an opportunity to explain his actions or seek leniency. The court emphasized that it is trite law that a first offender should not be given the maximum sentence unless there are aggravating circumstances, which were not present in this case. Consequently, the conviction and sentence were set aside, and the matter was remitted for a retrial before a competent court.
Court Disposition
conviction and sentence set aside; retrial ordered
Orders
- The conviction and sentence are set aside.
- The case is to be mentioned before the plea magistrate on 5th December, 2016 for fresh plea taking and further orders.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
27 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT KERICHO
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 47 OF 2015
BERNARD KIPKORIR KIKWAI.....................................................APPELLANT
VERSUS
REPUBLIC....................................................................................RESPONDENT
(From the original Conviction and Sentence in Criminal Case No.3917 of 2015, Chief Magistrates Court Kericho – Hon. Limo - RM)
JUDGMENT
The Appellant above mentioned was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the offence of grievous harm contrary to Section 234 of the Penal Code.
The particulars being that on the 21st day of October, 2015 at Momoniat Village, Kipkelion–Kericho County, unlawfully did grievous harm to No.217793 Inspector Phillip Kirui.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and he was convicted and sentenced on his own plea. This was after the facts were read to him and he stated that they were correct.
It stated that the charge was read over to the accused in Swahili language to which he replied “Kweli” true. When the facts were read over to him it is indicated that he stated “facts are correct”. This is in English. Mitigation it is simply indicated Nil.
The prosecution informed the court that the accused was a first offender. The court proceeded to sentence the accused to life imprisonment. This is the maximum sentence provided for the offence of grievous harm.
The grounds for the appeal are that the appeal was unequivocal.
It is instructive to note that the offence with which the accused was charged with was a serious one. More so, when the complainant is shown to have been a police officer of the rank of an inspector of police.
The learned trial Magistrate ought to have answered that. Accused person did not plead guilty out of presumed fear and or duress.
Bearing in mind that stated background, the words “kweli” “facts are correct” only, without further providing an explanation cannot safely be said to have been unequivocal. Secondly, mitigation is simply shown as “nil”, often times during mitigation an accused person does offer and give a brief review and insight as to what actually took place. Where there is no mitigation that window of opportunity is lost.
In the present case the plea was not un-equivocal. There was no mitigation. The accused was a first offender and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Which is the maximum sentence provided for in cases of grievous harm. Its trite law that a first offender cannot be given the maximum sentence. This case is appropriate for a retrial. The conviction and sentence are hereby set aside.
Case to be mentioned before the plea magistrate on 5th December, 2016 for fresh plea taking and further orders. The appellant to remain in custody pending orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.
DELIVERED, SIGNED AND DATED THIS 30TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2016.
...…...............................
M. MUYA
JUDGE
In the presence of;
1. Learned Counsel for the Prosecution – Mwita holding brief for Mutai
2. Learned Counsel for the Defence- Miss Mwangi
3. Wambany - court assistant