[2025] KEELC 3137 (KLR)

[2025] KEELC 3137 (KLR)

The court found that the transfer of Kilifi/Roka/308 to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants was based on a fraudulent judgment, which had been declared null and void by previous court orders. The 3rd defendant could not rely on the defense of bona fide purchaser for value without notice, as due diligence would have...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] KEELC 3137 (KLR)
Parties
Plaintiff: Lawrence Charo Karissa; Defendant: Juma Pamba Juma; Defendant: Omar Pamba Juma; Defendant: Inuka Africa Properties Limited; Defendant: Registrar of Lands, Kilifi
Court
Environment and Land Court
Court Station
Environment and Land Court at Malindi
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Environment & Land Case E038 of 2023
Procedural Posture
Environment and Land Case / Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the plaintiff. Plaintiff declared bona fide owner. All transfers to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants declared null and void. Eviction order against 3rd defendant. General damages awarded. Costs to plaintiff.
Judges
EK Makori
Legal Topics
Fraudulent Land Transfer, Bona Fide Purchaser, Title Rectification, Eviction Orders, Damages for Unlawful Eviction
Source Language
en
Land and Property Civil Procedure Fraudulent Land Transfer Bona Fide Purchaser Title Rectification Eviction Orders Damages for Unlawful Eviction

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Parties

Lawrence Charo Karissa

Plaintiff

Juma Pamba Juma

Defendant

Omar Pamba Juma

Defendant

Inuka Africa Properties Limited

Defendant

Registrar of Lands, Kilifi

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Environment and Land Case / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the transfer of land parcel Kilifi/Roka/308 to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants was based on a fraudulent judgment.
  2. 2 Whether the 3rd defendant qualifies as a bona fide purchaser for value without notice.
  3. 3 Whether the plaintiff is entitled to restoration of title, eviction orders, and general damages.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the transfer of Kilifi/Roka/308 to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants was based on a fraudulent judgment, which had been declared null and void by previous court orders. The 3rd defendant could not rely on the defense of bona fide purchaser for value without notice, as due diligence would have revealed the plaintiff's continued registration as owner at the time of the sale agreement. The court held that the Environment and Land Court has unlimited jurisdiction over such disputes, and that the doctrine of indefeasibility of title does not protect titles acquired through fraud or illegality. The plaintiff's title, never lawfully cancelled, remains valid, and all...

Court Disposition

Judgment for the plaintiff. Plaintiff declared bona fide owner. All transfers to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants declared null and void. Eviction order against 3rd defendant. General damages awarded. Costs to plaintiff.

Orders

  • Declaration that the judgment dated 11th January 2014 is fake, null, and void; transfers to 1st and 2nd defendants on 12th November 2020 declared null and void.
  • Declaration that the transfer to the 3rd defendant on 29 November 2021 is null and void.