[2013] KEHC 3848 (KLR)

[2013] KEHC 3848 (KLR)

The court found that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case for a temporary injunction based on adverse possession. The evidence did not demonstrate open, continuous, and uninterrupted occupation of the disputed 37-acre portion for the required 12 years, as the period could only be reckoned from 10th...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2013] KEHC 3848 (KLR)
Parties
Plaintiff: Labason Arap Balach; Defendant: Jeremiah Saoli Ole Megesh; Defendant: Kunini Ole Kipaas
Court
High Court
Court Station
High Court at Kisii
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Civil Case 69 of 2012
Procedural Posture
Civil Case / Ruling on Interlocutory Injunction Application
Outcome
Application for interlocutory injunction dismissed; status quo order granted; costs to defendants.
Legal Topics
Adverse Possession, Land Registration, Injunctive Relief, Limitation of Actions, Land Adjudication, Title Rectification
Source Language
en
Land and Property Civil Procedure Adverse Possession Land Registration Injunctive Relief Limitation of Actions Land Adjudication Title Rectification

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Labason Arap Balach

Plaintiff

Jeremiah Saoli Ole Megesh

Defendant

Kunini Ole Kipaas

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Case / Ruling on Interlocutory Injunction Application

  1. 1 Whether the plaintiff has established a prima facie case for a temporary injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with or evicting him from the disputed portion of land pending determination of the suit.
  2. 2 Whether the plaintiff has demonstrated open, continuous, and uninterrupted possession of the disputed land for the statutory period required for adverse possession.
  3. 3 Whether the balance of convenience and risk of irreparable harm favor the grant of an interlocutory injunction.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case for a temporary injunction based on adverse possession. The evidence did not demonstrate open, continuous, and uninterrupted occupation of the disputed 37-acre portion for the required 12 years, as the period could only be reckoned from 10th June 2004, following the Minister's decision on appeal, not from 1990. The plaintiff's claim that he believed the land was part of his registered plot (Plot No. 1144) undermined the adverse possession claim, as adverse possession cannot be claimed over land occupied as of right. The plaintiff also failed to show irreparable harm or that the balance of convenience favored him....

Court Disposition

Application for interlocutory injunction dismissed; status quo order granted; costs to defendants.

Orders

  • The application dated 23rd February, 2012 is disallowed.
  • Status quo as relates to title, use, occupation and/or possession of the disputed 37 acres of LR No. Transmara/Kimintet D/447 at its border with LR No. Transmara/Kimintet D/1144 as at the date of this order shall be maintained by the parties pending hearing and determination of the suit.