[2022] KEELC 3251 (KLR)

[2022] KEELC 3251 (KLR)

The court found that the Plaintiff paid the balance of the purchase price and refunded the deposit to the Defendant, who had agreed in writing to transfer the property to him upon these payments. The Defendant's subsequent refusal to transfer the property and claim of duress was not credible, especially as she...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2022] KEELC 3251 (KLR)
Parties
Plaintiff: Evanson Mbuthia Gitau; Defendant: Pricilla Wanjiku Muruthi
Court
Environment and Land Court
Court Station
Environment and Land Court at Nairobi
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Environment & Land Case 812 of 2013
Procedural Posture
Environment and Land Case / Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the Plaintiff. Counterclaim dismissed.
Judges
LC Komingoi
Legal Topics
Constructive Trust, Specific Performance, Ownership Dispute, Resulting Trust, Injunction, Estoppel
Source Language
english
Land and Property Constructive Trust Specific Performance Ownership Dispute Resulting Trust Injunction Estoppel

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Parties

Evanson Mbuthia Gitau

Plaintiff

Pricilla Wanjiku Muruthi

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Environment and Land Case / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant is holding the house in trust for the Plaintiff.
  2. 2 Whether the Plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs sought, including specific performance and injunction.
  3. 3 Whether the Defendant is entitled to the reliefs sought in the counterclaim, including eviction and rent arrears.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the Plaintiff paid the balance of the purchase price and refunded the deposit to the Defendant, who had agreed in writing to transfer the property to him upon these payments. The Defendant's subsequent refusal to transfer the property and claim of duress was not credible, especially as she accepted the refund and made further demands for goodwill. The court held that a constructive trust arose in favour of the Plaintiff, as he provided the purchase money and the Defendant held the property as trustee. The doctrine of estoppel also applied, preventing the Defendant from reneging on her commitment. The Plaintiff was therefore entitled to specific performance, a...

Court Disposition

Judgment for the Plaintiff. Counterclaim dismissed.

Orders

  • A permanent injunction restraining the Defendant from selling, transferring, or registering any change in ownership of flat No.G on 2nd floor of Block MF-8 on LR No.25980 Madaraka estate.
  • Declaration that a constructive trust exists between the Plaintiff and Defendant by virtue of the agreement and payments made by the Plaintiff.