[2023] KEELC 19039 (KLR)
The court held that the application to summon the process server for cross-examination on the affidavit of service was premature and misconceived. The proper procedure for challenging the ex parte injunction orders is for the dissatisfied party to first make a formal application to set aside or discharge the orders...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2023] KEELC 19039 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Peter K Mwaura; Defendant: County Government of Trans-Nzoia
- Court
- Environment and Land Court
- Court Station
- Environment and Land Court at Kitale
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case 2 of 2023
- Procedural Posture
- Environment and Land Case / Ruling on Application to Summon Process Server for Cross Examination Regarding Affidavit of Service
- Outcome
- application dismissed with costs
- Judges
- FO Nyagaka
- Legal Topics
- Service of Process, Affidavit of Service, Injunctions, Cross Examination, Interlocutory Applications
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Peter K Mwaura
Plaintiff
County Government of Trans-Nzoia
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Environment and Land Case / Ruling on Application to Summon Process Server for Cross Examination Regarding Affidavit of Service
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the process server should be summoned for cross-examination on the affidavit of service at this stage.
- 2 Whether the procedure adopted by the defendant to challenge service and seek setting aside of ex parte orders is proper.
Ratio Decidendi
The court held that the application to summon the process server for cross-examination on the affidavit of service was premature and misconceived. The proper procedure for challenging the ex parte injunction orders is for the dissatisfied party to first make a formal application to set aside or discharge the orders under Order 40 Rule 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Only after such an application is made can the process server be summoned for cross-examination on the affidavit of service, if necessary. The court emphasized that invoking Order 19 Rule 2 at this stage, without a substantive application to set aside the orders, was improper and would waste judicial time. The court also noted...
Court Disposition
application dismissed with costs
Orders
- The application to summon the process server for cross-examination is dismissed with costs.
- Interim orders extended.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
25 paragraphs
Mwaura v County Government of Trans-Nzoia (Environment & Land Case 2 of 2023) [2023] KEELC 19039 (KLR) (27 July 2023) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2023] KEELC 19039 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the Environment and Land Court at Kitale
Environment & Land Case 2 of 2023
FO Nyagaka, J
July 27, 2023
Between
Peter K Mwaura
Plaintiff
and
County Government of Trans-Nzoia
Defendant
Ruling
1. I have considered the application by Mr Waswa and the response by Mr Kiaire. I understand the Respondent to be saying that he wishes the process server to be called to court for cross-examination as to the truthfulness of his affidavit sworn on July 19, 2023. Mr Waswa argues that the ultimate aim of the cross-examination is to set aside the orders issued on July 20, 2023. He has relied on the Order 19 Rule 2 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
2. Mr Kiarie opposes the application to summon the process server, first by arguing that the process server may not be available today. I understand learned counsel to mean here that time is short. Also he argues that if orders obtained ex parte are to be set aside, then the party ought to move the court under Order 40 Rule 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
3. I have considered the application before me. I have also considered both the law and the submissions by learned counsel. Order 40 Rule I of the Civil Procedure Rulesproves for the procedure for grant of temporary injunctions. Order 40 Rule 4(x) of the Civil Procedure Rules provides that where the court is satisfied that the object of the injunction may be defeated it may grant the injunction ex parte. The Rule therefore implies that if the court is not satisfied, it will hear the application inter partes.
4. When this matter came up before me ex parte on July 17, 2023, I was satisfied as to the urgency thereof but was of the view that the defendants be notified of the application. I directed that service be effected and the matter be mentioned for directions on July 20, 2023 online. Service was allegedly effected. I was satisfied as to the same by the affidavit of service of one George Munali, sworn on July 19, 2023.
5. The respondent disputes the service. He alleges that the same is based on a stamp that is alleged to be for the County Attorney of the defendant but is not the truth as it is superimposed. Again, learned counsel, by asking for summoning
6. of the process server wishes to demonstrate to the court that the stamp is not of the County Attorney. He intended to do so by way of cross-examination of the process server.
7. This court is of the view that the prayer for cross-examination of the process server at this point and in the manner sought to be achieved is misconceived and premature. It is, if permitted at this stage meant to take the court’s time without basis. The reason I say so is that the court will not have material to confirm the authenticity or otherwise of the alleged stamp other than hearing questions about it being answered. The court is not a document examiner as per the rules of evidence, Section 48 of the Evidence Act.
8. Lastly, Mr Waswa argues that if the court is satisfied with the defectiveness of service then he will be moving the court to set aside the orders of July 20, 2023. With due respect, this court finds the procedure being adopted by learned counsel improper. Order 40 Rule 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules provides for the setting aside or discharge of an order of injunction. This is upon a party making an application if he is dissatisfied with it. With the determination of the contentious issue of service being the ultimate aim of the defendant herein. I find that he defendant ahs put the court before the horse. He needs first to make an application to set aside the injunction and then apply to summon the process server for cross-examination on his affidavit of service. This reliance on Order 19 Rule 2 of the Civil Procedure Rules at this stage is premature.
9. I find the application without merit and I dismiss it with costs.
10. Ruling read in presence of Miss Masai for Kiarie for plaintiff and Waswa for Defendant.
HON. DR. IURFRED NYAGAKAJUDGE, ELC KITALE27/07/2023Hearing of application dated 17/07/2023 for 04/10/2023. Interim orders extended.HON. DR. IURFRED NYAGAKAJUDGE, ELC KITALE27/07/2023