[2017] KEELC 1351 (KLR)
The court found that the defendant had unequivocally admitted the plaintiff's claim, including receipt of the purchase price and willingness to transfer the land. The only impediment to transfer was a restriction placed by the defendant's son. In light of the full admission, the court held that it was just to order...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2017] KEELC 1351 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: David Kamundi Muranga; Defendant: Charles Njagi Kanga
- Court
- Environment and Land Court
- Court Station
- Environment and Land Court at Chuka
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case 226 of 2017
- Procedural Posture
- Land and Property Suit / Judgment
- Outcome
- Plaintiff's claim allowed on admission; transfer of land and removal of restriction ordered.
- Judges
- FM Njoroge
- Legal Topics
- Land Transfer, Admission of Claim, Removal of Caution, Breach of Contract
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
David Kamundi Muranga
Plaintiff
Charles Njagi Kanga
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Land and Property Suit / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the defendant admitted the plaintiff's claim regarding transfer of land and receipt of purchase money.
- 2 Whether the court should order transfer of LR. MUTHAMBI/LOWER KARIMBA/1604 to the plaintiff.
- 3 Whether damages or costs should be awarded against the defendant.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the defendant had unequivocally admitted the plaintiff's claim, including receipt of the purchase price and willingness to transfer the land. The only impediment to transfer was a restriction placed by the defendant's son. In light of the full admission, the court held that it was just to order the transfer of the suit land to the plaintiff and to vacate any caution or restriction preventing the transfer. The court exercised its discretion not to award damages or costs against the defendant, given his cooperation and admission of the claim.
Court Disposition
Plaintiff's claim allowed on admission; transfer of land and removal of restriction ordered.
Orders
- The defendant to transfer LR. NO. MUTHAMBI/LOWER KARIMBA/1604 to the plaintiff, and in default, the Deputy Registrar to execute all transfer instruments.
- Any caution, inhibition or restriction placed against LR. NO. MUTHAMBI/LOWER KARIMBA/1604 be vacated and removed forthwith.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
28 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURT OF KENYA AT CHUKA
CHUKA ELC CASE NO 226 OF 2017
DAVID KAMUNDI MURANGA....................................PLAINTIFF
VERSUS
CHARLES NJAGI KANGA......................................DEFENDANT
JUDGMENT
1. The plaintiff’s advocate, on 7. 7.2017, filed a request for judgment on admission of the claim in this suit.
2. At paragraph 3 and 4 of his defence, the plaintiff states as follows:
“3. The defendant accepts receiving Kshs.56,000/= as stated in paragraph 6 of the plaint but a restriction was put by my son on the land so I don’t deny the case.
“4. The defendant is also accepting paragraphs 7,8,9,10 and 11 of the plaint as herein as I received the money for the land and I am willing to transfer the land which is occupied by the plaintiff.”
3. In his plaint dated 6th April, 2017 and filed in court on 6th April, 2017, the plaintiff prays for judgment against the defendant for orders that:
a) This court be pleased to order the defendant to transfer LR. MUTHAMBI/LOWER KARIMBA/1604 to the plaintiff and in default thereof this court’s Deputy Registrar be directed to execute all the transfer instruments to transfer the land to the plaintiff.
b) That this court be pleased to vacate and / or remove the caution or any inhibition on the disputed land to enable transfer to the plaintiff.
c) Damages for breach of contract.
d) Costs of the suit.
e) Any further or other relief this court would deem fit to grant.
4. Order 13, rule 2 of the Civil Procedure Rules states:
“Any party may at any stage of a suit, where admission of facts, either on the pleadings or otherwise, apply to the court for such judgment or Order as upon such admissions he may be entitled to, without waiting for the determination of any other question between the parties; and the court may upon such application make such order, or give such judgment, as the court may think just.”
5. The defendant having admitted in full the plaintiff’s claim and having explained why he could not transfer the suit land to the plaintiff, I am inclined not to subject him to damages. Also, although costs follow the event, I am inclined not to subject him to costs.
6. In the circumstances, it is ordered as follows:
a) The defendant to transfer LR. NO. MUTHAMBI/LOWER KARIMBA/1604 to the plaintiff and should he default to do so, the Deputy Registrar of this court, is directed to execute all the transfer instruments needed to transfer the land to the plaintiff.
b) Any caution, inhibition or restriction placed against LR. NO. MUTHAMBI/ LOWER KARIMBA/1604 be vacated and be removed forthwith.
Delivered in open court at Chuka this 17th day of October, 2017 in the presence of:
CA: Ndegwa
Mutani for the plaintiff
P. M. NJOROGE
JUDGE