[2025] KEELC 4042 (KLR)
The judge determined that his close personal relationship with a party and persons interested in the outcome of the suit created a reasonable perception of bias. In accordance with established legal principles and statutory requirements, including the Judicial Service Code of Conduct and the Constitution, the judge...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2025] KEELC 4042 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Joel Kipchoge Kitur; Defendant: Dorcas Misoi; Defendant: Land Registrar Nandi County; Defendant: Kapsabet Land Disputes Tribunal; Defendant: Attorney General
- Court
- Environment and Land Court
- Court Station
- Environment and Land Court at Kapsabet
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case E05 of 2023
- Procedural Posture
- Recusal Application / Ruling on Judicial Recusal and Transfer of Suit
- Outcome
- Judge recused himself; suit transferred to Eldoret Environment and Land Court.
- Judges
- GMA Ongondo
- Legal Topics
- Judicial Recusal, Impartiality of Judge, Transfer of Suit, Conflict of Interest
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
More case intelligence is available
Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.
Parties
Joel Kipchoge Kitur
Plaintiff
Dorcas Misoi
Defendant
Land Registrar Nandi County
Defendant
Kapsabet Land Disputes Tribunal
Defendant
Attorney General
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Recusal Application / Ruling on Judicial Recusal and Transfer of Suit
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the presiding judge should recuse himself from the suit due to a perceived conflict of interest.
- 2 Whether the matter should be transferred to another court to preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.
Ratio Decidendi
The judge determined that his close personal relationship with a party and persons interested in the outcome of the suit created a reasonable perception of bias. In accordance with established legal principles and statutory requirements, including the Judicial Service Code of Conduct and the Constitution, the judge found that recusal was necessary to uphold the integrity of the judicial process and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. Consequently, the judge recused himself and ordered the transfer of the suit to another court for hearing and determination.
Court Disposition
Judge recused himself; suit transferred to Eldoret Environment and Land Court.
Orders
- The presiding judge recuses himself from the suit.
- The suit is transferred to Eldoret Environment and Land Court for hearing and determination.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
32 paragraphs
Kitur v Misoi & 3 others (Environment & Land Case E05 of 2023) [2025] KEELC 4042 (KLR) (28 May 2025) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2025] KEELC 4042 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the Environment and Land Court at Kapsabet
Environment & Land Case E05 of 2023
GMA Ongondo, J
May 28, 2025
Between
Joel Kipchoge Kitur
Plaintiff
and
Dorcas Misoi
1st Defendant
Land Registrar Nandi County
2nd Defendant
Kapsabet Land Disputes Tribunal
3rd Defendant
Attorney General
4th Defendant
Ruling
1. The instant ruling relates to my recusal or self-removal from this suit due to possibility of reasonably perceived impartiality in this suit.
2. Black’s Law Dictionary 8th Edition (2004) at page 1303 defines ‘Recusal’ as follows;The removal of oneself as judge or policy maker in particular matter, (especially) because of conflict of interest.’
3. The threshold for disqualification were laid down in the English case of Metropolitan Properties (Fg-C) Ltd -vs-Lannon & others (1969) 1 QB 577 thus;...Disqualification was imperative even in the absence of a real likelihood of bias if a reasonable man would reasonably suspect bias.’
4. It is trite law that justice must not only be done but seen to be done and judges have a duty to sit, hear and determine a case; Galaxy Paints Company Limited-vs-Falcon Guards Limited (1999) eKLR.
5. In Regulation 21 (e) of the Judicial Service (Code of Conduct and Ethics) Regulations 2020 (Legal Notice No. 102 of 2020) under the Judicial Service Act, Revised Edition 2015 (2012), provides for the grounds of recusal of a Judge on the ground of his or her personal interest or a relationship with a person who has a personal interest in the outcome of the case in question.
6. It is noteworthy that fair hearing is a fundamental right that is recognised and protected under Article 50 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which stipulates;Every person has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair and public hearing before a court or, if appropriate another independent and impartial tribunal or body.’
7. In this suit originated by way of a plaint dated 3rd August 2023 for, inter alia, declaration orders and a permanent restraint order over land parcel number Nandi/Kamobo/1682, I have noted that my impartiality might reasonably be questioned due to my close personal relationship with a party herein and persons who have a personal interest in the outcome of it.
8. To preserve public confidence in the administration of justice, my disqualification from handling any further proceedings in this suit is inevitable in the obtaining circumstances; see Jasbir Rai & 3 others-vs-Tarlochan Singh Rai and 4 others SCK Petition No. 4 of 2012 (2013) eKLR.
9. A fortiori, I hereby recuse myself from this suit and the same be transferred to Eldoret Environment and Land Court for hearing and determination
10. The case be mentioned before the Deputy Registrar of this court on 18th June 2025 to confirm typing of proceedings and thereafter, the file be transmitted to Eldoret Environment and Land Court.
11. It is so ordered.
DATED AND DELIVERED AT KAPSABET THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY 2025. G M A ONGONDOJUDGEPresent;1. Mr D Tallam learned counsel for the plaintiff2. Mr Sang instructed by Mr Choge learned counsel for the1st defendant3. Mr Kutei instructed by Ms Tigoi learned counsel for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants4. Walter, court assistant