[2024] KEHC 13111 (KLR)
The court determined that, given the existence of competing applications and serious allegations including fraud and criminal activity, it was necessary to stay all prior orders and consolidate the applications for hearing. The court emphasized the need for all parties to respond and file submissions, and for the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2024] KEHC 13111 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Isaac Kibet Laboso; Respondent: Margaret Sawe
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nakuru
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Succession Cause 65 of 1982
- Procedural Posture
- Succession Cause / Interlocutory Ruling on Chamber Summons and Certificate of Urgency
- Outcome
- interlocutory orders issued; applications consolidated for hearing; temporary stay granted
- Judges
- SM Mohochi
- Legal Topics
- Estate Administration, Title Cancellation, Ownership Declaration, Distribution of Estate, Allegations of Fraud
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Isaac Kibet Laboso
Applicant
Margaret Sawe
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Succession Cause / Interlocutory Ruling on Chamber Summons and Certificate of Urgency
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the Registrar of Titles should be summoned to explain transactions relating to LR No.11964/4 between 1993 and 2018.
- 2 Whether a declaration as to ownership of LR No.11964/4 should be made.
- 3 Whether orders of cancellation and restoration of titles should issue.
Ratio Decidendi
The court determined that, given the existence of competing applications and serious allegations including fraud and criminal activity, it was necessary to stay all prior orders and consolidate the applications for hearing. The court emphasized the need for all parties to respond and file submissions, and for the process to be conducted with integrity. The court further directed that no advocate may swear affidavits on behalf of clients, reinforcing the requirement for personal knowledge in evidence. The court issued a temporary stay of orders made on 25th April, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of both the 8th July and 25th October, 2024 applications. The court also forewarned...
Court Disposition
interlocutory orders issued; applications consolidated for hearing; temporary stay granted
Orders
- A temporary order of stay of orders made on 25th April, 2024 is hereby issued pending hearing and determination of applications dated 8th July, 2024 and 25th October, 2024.
- The Application dated 25th October, 2024 shall be treated as a response to the Application dated 8th July, 2024.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
14 paragraphs
In re Estate of the Late Sawe Arap Choge (Deceased) (Succession Cause 65 of 1982) [2024] KEHC 13111 (KLR) (30 October 2024) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2024] KEHC 13111 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the High Court at Nakuru
Succession Cause 65 of 1982
SM Mohochi, J
October 30, 2024
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE SAWE ARAP CHOGE (DECEASED)
Ruling
1. Before me is a chamber summons dated 8th July, 2024 supported by a sworn affidavit of Isaac Kibet Laboso seeking:1. The summoning of a Registrar of Titles to appear to explain transactions that occurred between 1993 to 2018 relating to property previously described as LR No.11964/4 and specific transaction to Galaira Properties Limited on the 7th April, 1995. 2.A declaration as to ownership of the aforesaid LR No.11964/4. 3.Orders of cancellation and restoration of titles.4. A mischievous relief inviting this court to direct the Applicants/administrators to proceed with distribution.5. An order to the OCS to deploy security in administration of the estate.
2. Without delving much to the merits of this application I note that the sole survivor of the deceased Ms. Margaret Sawe has responded to the summons by filing her own certificate of urgency Application dated 25th October, 2024.
3. This Court accordingly arrests the ruling on the summons dated 8th July, 2024 on the following terms: -1. A temporary order of stay of orders made on 25th April, 2024 is hereby issued pending hearing and determination of applications dated 8th July, 2024 and the one dated 25th October, 2024. 2.The Application dated 25th October, 2024 shall be treated as a response to the Application date 8th July, 2024. 3.The Court directs that no advocate shall swear or depone an affidavit on behalf of their clients in this matter.4. The administrators shall file a response to the Application dated 25th October, 2024. 5.The Applicants in the Application dated 25th October, 2024 shall file written submissions within the next 14 days from today.6. The Administrators shall file written submissions within 21 days.7. All pleadings filed so far shall be considered.8. The Court notes sadly allegation of fraud, and criminal activities touching on this succession cause and parties are forewarned that the halls of justice are not bastions for criminal activities and that this court shall not hesitate to act where it is discovered that a litigant is abusing or misusing the due process of the law to commit and further a criminal activity.
4. A new ruling date shall be fixed for the new term.Orders accordingly.
RULING SIGNED, DATED AND DELIVERED AT NAKURU ON THIS 30TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2024. ..........................MOHOCHI S. M.JUDGE