[2022] KEHC 12379 (KLR)
The court found that the sentence imposed on the applicant was both unlawful and illegal. Specifically, the default imprisonment term of one year for failure to pay a fine of Ksh 20,000 exceeded the statutory maximum of six months as provided by Section 28(2) of the Penal Code. Furthermore, there was a disconnect...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2022] KEHC 12379 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Daniel Koga; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Busia
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Revision E082 of 2022
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Revision / Ruling
- Outcome
- Application allowed. Applicant to be released from custody forthwith unless held for any other lawful cause.
- Judges
- JN Kamau
- Legal Topics
- Sentencing Illegality, Default Imprisonment, Community Service Order
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Daniel Koga
Applicant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Revision / Ruling
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the sentence imposed on the applicant was lawful and proper.
- 2 Whether the applicant is entitled to release based on time already served and the illegality of the sentence.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the sentence imposed on the applicant was both unlawful and illegal. Specifically, the default imprisonment term of one year for failure to pay a fine of Ksh 20,000 exceeded the statutory maximum of six months as provided by Section 28(2) of the Penal Code. Furthermore, there was a disconnect between the conviction and the sentence, as the applicant was convicted on both counts but sentenced only on one, with the other count resulting in a discharge. Given that the applicant had already served four months in prison, which was equivalent to or exceeded the lawful default imprisonment term, the court held that he had completed his sentence and ordered his immediate...
Court Disposition
Application allowed. Applicant to be released from custody forthwith unless held for any other lawful cause.
Orders
- The applicant is hereby released from custody forthwith unless held for any other lawful cause.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
16 paragraphs
Koga v Republic (Criminal Revision E082 of 2022) [2022] KEHC 12379 (KLR) (1 August 2022) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2022] KEHC 12379 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the High Court at Busia
Criminal Revision E082 of 2022
JN Kamau, J
August 1, 2022
Between
Daniel Koga
Applicant
and
Republic
Respondent
Ruling
1. The applicant herein was charged with two (2) counts of the offence of assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to section 251 of the Penal Code cap 63 (Laws of Kenya). He pleaded not guilty to the charge and the trial proceeded. He was convicted of the two (2) counts of offence on February 9, 2022. He was convicted on count I and discharged on count II and find ksh 20,000/= or in default to serve one (1) year imprisonment in default. The court has noted that the earliest released date by the prison is October 9, 2022. He has so far served four (4) months in prison. According to the report by Dennis Kiptanui, Probation Officer dated July 25, 2022, it is recommended that the applicant serve the remainder of the sentence under the Community Service Order at Magombe Chief’s Office. This court finds that there was a disconnect between the conviction and the sentence that was imposed on the applicant. Whereas the learned trial magistrate convicted him on both counts at the time of sentencing, the learned trial magistrate convicted him count 7 and discharged him under count II and imposed the aforesaid fine and default imprisonment term. The propriety and sentence were incorrect and the court hereby finds the same to have been illegal and having no basis in law. In addition, the sentence of one (1) year imprisonment was also unlawful and clearly illegal. Section 28 (2) of the Penal Code provides that a fine exceeding ksh 15,000/= but not exceeding ksh 50,000/= attracts a default imprisonment of six (6) months. Taking into consideration the remission of the applicant’s sentence which is four (4) months and he has since served four (4) months in prison, he has already completed his sentence. It is hereby directed that the applicant be and is hereby released from custody forthwith unless he be held for any other lawful cause. Orders accordingly.
DATED AND DELIVERED AT BUSIA ON THIS 1ST DAY OF AUGUST 2022. J. KAMAUJUDGE