[2023] KEMC 174 (KLR)
The court found that the plaint failed to disclose the geographical location of the accident, making it impossible to determine whether the court had territorial jurisdiction. Without this essential information, the court could not proceed to analyze liability or quantum. The absence of jurisdiction is fatal to the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2023] KEMC 174 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Esther Mumbi Muchina; Defendant: Timothy Gachuhi Wanjiku & 4 others
- Court
- Magistrate's Court
- Court Station
- Chief Magistrate's Court (Milimani Law Courts)
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Civil Suit 9065 of 2019
- Procedural Posture
- Civil Suit / Judgment
- Outcome
- plaint struck out for want of jurisdiction
- Judges
- JP Aduke
- Legal Topics
- Jurisdiction, Road Traffic Accidents, Personal Injury, Pleadings Deficiency
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Esther Mumbi Muchina
Plaintiff
Timothy Gachuhi Wanjiku & 4 others
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Civil Suit / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the court has territorial jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit as pleaded.
- 2 Whether the plaint discloses the geographical location of the alleged accident.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the plaint failed to disclose the geographical location of the accident, making it impossible to determine whether the court had territorial jurisdiction. Without this essential information, the court could not proceed to analyze liability or quantum. The absence of jurisdiction is fatal to the suit, and as such, the plaint was struck out under the relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Act.
Court Disposition
plaint struck out for want of jurisdiction
Orders
- The plaint dated 28th October 2019 is struck out.
- No orders as to costs.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
19 paragraphs
Muchina v Wanjiku & 4 others (Civil Suit 9065 of 2019) [2023] KEMC 174 (KLR) (31 August 2023) (Judgment)
Neutral citation: [2023] KEMC 174 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the Chief Magistrate's Court (Milimani Law Courts)
Civil Suit 9065 of 2019
JP Aduke, SRM
August 31, 2023
Between
Esther Mumbi Muchina
Plaintiff
and
Timothy Gachuhi Wanjiku & 4 others
Defendant
Judgment
1. The Plaintiff filed this suit against the defendants after she sustained injuries following a road traffic accident on 4th March 2018 in an undisclosed location. In the plaint on record filed on 10th December 2019, the plaintiff avers she was a lawful passenger aboard KBQ 678C in an undisclosed geographical location when the Defendants either acting as servant/agent/authorized driver of motor vehicle registration number KAQ 272J negligently and recklessly drove the said motor vehicle and caused it to collide with KBQ 678C and the Plaintiff sustained injuries.
2. The Plaintiff blames the Defendants and their agents/authorized servants for causing the said accident. The Plaintiff further avers that the said accident was solely caused by the negligence of the Defendants.The particulars of injuries sustained by the Plaintiff are captured in para 4 of the Plaint while the particulars of alleged negligence are captured in para 4 of the Plaint. The Plaintiff prays for general damages for pain and suffering and loss of amenities of life, special damages, costs of the suit and interest.
3. Return of Service on Record shows that the defendants were served with the suit papers. The 1st and 2nd defendants never entered appearance. As a result, judgment in default of appearance was entered against the 1st and 2nd Defendants on 11th June 2021. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants entered appearance and defended the suit. The suit proceeded to full hearing. PW1, the plaintiff, adopted and relied on her plaint on record as her evidence in chief. PW2, a police officer, testified on the circumstances of the accident. The defence closed its case without calling any witnesses. Parties filed submissions. The issue for determination before this court is one:1. Jurisdiction
4. The plaint does not disclose the geographical location of the accident. As it is, I am unable to ascertain whether or not the court has the geographical territorial jurisdiction to grant the prayers sought in the Plaint. In other words, it is not clear from the Plaint on record or from the testimony of PW1 on file whether or not the alleged road accident occurred in Nairobi or elsewhere. In view of this, I am unable to proceed to analyze the liabilities of the parties and any quantum that may or may not be applicable. On the strength of section 2 and section 15 ( c) of the Civil Procedure Act, Cap 21 Laws of Kenya, I hereby strike out the plaint dated 28th October 2019, with no orders on costs.
ADUKE JEAL PRAXADES ATIENOSENIOR RESIDENT MAGISTRATEJUDGEMENT SIGNED AND DELIVERED VIRTUALLY IN NAIROBI THIS 31ST AUGUST 2023In the presence of :Court Assistant: Benjamin Kombe.Counsel for the Plaintiff- …………………….…………………………………………………………..(Name, Signature, Date)For the Defence: ……………………………………………….………………………………..(Name, Signature, Date)