[2017] KEHC 3450 (KLR)
The court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case by demonstrating ownership of the disputed land and that the defendant had unlawfully invaded it. The defendant's failure to respond to the application, despite being granted ample time, left the plaintiff's assertions unchallenged. The court was...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2017] KEHC 3450 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Cyprian Kithure Gaichena; Defendant: Jeremiah Muthengi
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Chuka
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case 255 of 2017
- Procedural Posture
- Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Interlocutory Injunction
- Outcome
- Application allowed; temporary injunction granted.
- Judges
- FM Njoroge
- Legal Topics
- Temporary Injunctions, Land Ownership Disputes, Interlocutory Relief
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Cyprian Kithure Gaichena
Plaintiff
Jeremiah Muthengi
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Interlocutory Injunction
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the plaintiff is entitled to a temporary injunction restraining the defendant from interfering with land parcel number Tharaka/Irunduni/809 pending determination of the application.
- 2 Whether the defendant's failure to respond to the application affects the grant of interim relief.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case by demonstrating ownership of the disputed land and that the defendant had unlawfully invaded it. The defendant's failure to respond to the application, despite being granted ample time, left the plaintiff's assertions unchallenged. The court was satisfied that the plaintiff would suffer irreparable harm if denied access to his land during the rainy season, and that the balance of convenience favoured maintaining the status quo. Consequently, the court granted a temporary injunction restraining the defendant from interfering with land parcel Tharaka/Irunduni/809 pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
Court Disposition
Application allowed; temporary injunction granted.
Orders
- A temporary injunction is issued restraining the defendant, his agents, servants, assignees, representatives or anyone acting at the defendant’s behest from interfering with land parcel number Tharaka/Irunduni/809 pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
- Costs of the application shall be in the cause.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
32 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT CHUKA
CHUKA ELC CASE NO 255 OF 2017
FORMRLY MERU ELC CASE NO. 77 OF 2016
CYPRIAN KITHURE GAICHENA………….………...PLAINTIFF
VERSUS
JEREMIAH MUTHENGI …………………....…….DEFENDANT
RULING
1. This application is dated 25th April, 2016 and seeks orders:
1. That this matter be certified as urgent & that service of the same be dispensed with.
2. That this honourable court be pleased to issue orders of temporary injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, servants, assignees, representatives or anyone acting at the defendant’s behest from interfering with LAND PARCEL NUMBER THARAKA/IRUNDUNI/809 pending the hearing and determination of this application.
3. That cost of this application be in the cause.
2. The application is supported by the affidavit of CYPRIAN KITHURE GAICHENA which states:
1. That I am the applicant herein, the applicant in this matter hence competent to swear this affidavit.
2. That I am the owner of LAND PARCEL NUMBER THARAKA/IRUNDUNI/809 having bought the same from one Moses Gakunyi M’makembo vide a sale of land agreement, the vendor acknowledging that indeed he sold me the said parcel.
3. That after I had brought the same from the vendor, in the year 2014 the defendant unlawfully invaded my parcel of land without any justification whatsoever and preventing me from utilizing.
4. That as a result I have suffered immensely as I am unable to access my land to farm during this rainy season.
5. That I am praying that the defendant or anyone acting on his behalf from whatsoever from interfering with LAND PARCEL NUMBER THARAKA/IRUNDUNI/809 pending the hearing and determination of this application interparties.
6. That what is deponed herein is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
3. On 25. 7.2016,the defendant/respondent was granted 21 days to respond. Over 1 year later the defendant/respondent has not responded.
4. I agree with Mr.Womache, the plaintiff’s advocate that the application should be allowed in terms of prayer 2.
5. In the circumstances, the application is allowed in terms of prayer 2.
6. Costs shall be in the cause.
7. The plaintiff is ordered to fully comply with order 11, CPR within 14 days of today and the defendant should comply with order 11, CPR within 14 day after receipt of the plaintiff’s compliance documents.
8. The plaintiff is to serve the orders issued by the court today upon the defendant within 5 days of today.
9. Directions on 30. 10. 2017
10. It is so ordered.
Delivered in open court at Chuka this 26th day of September, 2017 in the presence of:
CA: Ndegwa
Womache for the plaintiff
P. M. NJOROGE
JUDGE