[2016] KEHC 4527 (KLR)
The court found that although the delay of five months in filing the appeal was lengthy, the explanation provided by the applicants—that they lacked means to pursue the appeal until assisted by a well-wisher—was reasonable in the circumstances. The court emphasized that poverty can impede access to justice and that...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2016] KEHC 4527 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Janai Lalai Tungusho; Applicant: Alice Nadupoi Lenaitukusho (Suing as the legal administrators of the Estate of Esmare Ndanaitukusho); Respondent: East African Mission Orphanage; Respondent: Spinks Ralph
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Naivasha
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Miscellaneous Civil Application 72 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application for Extension of Time to Appeal
- Outcome
- application allowed
- Judges
- CW Meoli
- Legal Topics
- Extension of Time, Appeals Out of Time, Judicial Discretion, Delay in Filing, Access to Justice
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Janai Lalai Tungusho
Applicant
Alice Nadupoi Lenaitukusho (Suing as the legal administrators of the Estate of Esmare Ndanaitukusho)
Applicant
East African Mission Orphanage
Respondent
Spinks Ralph
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application for Extension of Time to Appeal
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicants have provided sufficient explanation for the delay in filing the appeal.
- 2 Whether the court should exercise its discretion to enlarge time for filing an appeal under Section 79G of the Civil Procedure Act.
- 3 Whether the intended appeal is arguable and not frivolous.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that although the delay of five months in filing the appeal was lengthy, the explanation provided by the applicants—that they lacked means to pursue the appeal until assisted by a well-wisher—was reasonable in the circumstances. The court emphasized that poverty can impede access to justice and that the Constitution obligates courts to ensure justice is done to all, irrespective of status. The court further found that the intended appeal was not frivolous and that there was no indication the respondents would suffer undue prejudice if the extension was granted. Balancing all relevant factors, the court exercised its discretion to allow the applicants to file their appeal...
Court Disposition
application allowed
Orders
- Prayer 2 of the Notice of Motion is granted; the applicants shall file the appeal within 21 days from the date of the ruling.
- Costs will abide the outcome of the appeal.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
25 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIVASHA
MISCELLANEOUS CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 72 OF 2015
JANAI LALAI TUNGUSHO
ALICE NADUPOI LENAITUKUSHO (Suing as the legal administrators
of the Estate of ESMARE NDANAITUKUSHO ………………………PLAINTIFFS
-VERSUS-
EAST AFRICAN MISSION ORPHANAGE………..…………….… 1ST DEFENDANT
SPINKS RALPH…………………………………….…………………2ND DEFENDANT
R U L I N G
The application before me was filed on 2/1/2015 under Section 79G of the Civil Procedure Act and Order 50 Rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules. It seeks that the court enlarges time to enable the Applicants lodge an appeal in respect of a decision delivered on 24th June, 2015, dismissing the Applicant’s suit.
The main thrust of the Supporting affidavit sworn by the Applicant Janai Lalai Tungusho is that despite being aggrieved by the dismissal he and the Co-applicant had no means, until a well-wisher came by, to pursue the appeal. This is the explanation offered for the delay.
During the hearing of the application Miss Mukira, counsel for the Applicants, contended that delay had been explained and further that, the intended appeal is not frivolous. By their grounds of opposition and oral arguments the Respondents argue that the delay of five months was inordinate and not explained sufficiently.
I have considered the material canvassed before me. The court’s discretion under Section 79G of the Civil Procedure Act must be exercised judicially considering the length of delay, the explanation offered; and possibly, the chances of the intended appeal succeeding; and the degree of prejudice to the Respondent. (See Niazsons (K) Ltd -Vs- China Road and Bridge Corporation (Kenya) Ltd [200] eKLR and Mwangi -Vs- Kenya Airways Ltd [2003] KLR 486.
No doubt the period of five months is long but for the explanation given, which to my mind is reasonable in this context, the delay is not inordinate. Poverty can and does adversely affect the ability by parties to pursue what they consider their rightful claims.
Under Article 159 (2) (a) of the Constitution this court is obligated to ensure that justice is done to all irrespective of status. This is the spirit captured in Bagajo Vs- Christian’s Children Fund Inc. [2004] 2 KLR 73 where Ringera J (as he then was) emphasised that in exercising the discretion relating to the extension of time, “the court’s primary concern should be to do justice to the parties.” The court, has despite the delay, to look to see whether justice can still be done between the parties (See Ivita-Vs- Kyumbu [1984] KLR 441).
On the face of it, the proposed appeal does not seem frivolous. There is no indication that the Respondent will be unduly prejudiced by this court allowing the filing of an appeal out of time. Balancing all relevant aspects, I think that the justice of the situation leans towards affording the Applicants an opportunity to file and canvass his appeal. In circumstances, I do grant prayer 2 of the Notice of Motion and direct that the Applicants file the appeal within 21 days of today’s date.
Costs will abide the outcome of the appeal.
Delivered and signed at Naivasha on this 23rd day ofJune, 2016.
In the presence of:-
For the Applicant : Mr. Njuguna holding brief for Miss Mukira for Applicant
For the Respondents : N/A
Court Clerk : Barasa
C. MEOLI
JUDGE