[2024] KEHC 11889 (KLR)
The court found that although the appellant failed to file the record of appeal and obtain the decree from the lower court within the stipulated time, the reasons for the delay were satisfactorily explained and supported by correspondence. The respondent did not oppose the application. The court exercised its...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2024] KEHC 11889 (KLR)
- Parties
- Appellant: Eliud Okungu Ogembo; Respondent: Christopher Ondiek Yongo
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kisumu
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Civil Appeal E200 of 2023
- Procedural Posture
- Civil Appeal / Ruling on Application for Review and Reinstatement of Appeal
- Outcome
- Application for review and reinstatement of appeal allowed.
- Judges
- RE Aburili
- Legal Topics
- Appeal Reinstatement, Review of Dismissal Orders, Record of Appeal Requirements
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Eliud Okungu Ogembo
Appellant
Christopher Ondiek Yongo
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Ruling on Application for Review and Reinstatement of Appeal
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the court should review and set aside its order dismissing the appeal for want of prosecution.
- 2 Whether the appellant's failure to file the record of appeal and obtain a decree justified dismissal of the appeal.
- 3 Whether the appeal should be reinstated for consideration on merit.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that although the appellant failed to file the record of appeal and obtain the decree from the lower court within the stipulated time, the reasons for the delay were satisfactorily explained and supported by correspondence. The respondent did not oppose the application. The court exercised its discretion to review and set aside the dismissal order, holding that the interests of justice required reinstatement of the appeal for determination on merit, rather than penalizing the appellant for procedural lapses that were not entirely within his control.
Court Disposition
Application for review and reinstatement of appeal allowed.
Orders
- The order dismissing the appeal is reviewed and set aside.
- The appeal is reinstated for consideration on merit.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
27 paragraphs
Ogembo v Yongo (Civil Appeal E200 of 2023) [2024] KEHC 11889 (KLR) (3 October 2024) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2024] KEHC 11889 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the High Court at Kisumu
Civil Appeal E200 of 2023
RE Aburili, J
October 3, 2024
Between
Eliud Okungu Ogembo
Appellant
and
Christopher Ondiek Yongo
Respondent
((Being an Appeal from the Judgment of Hon. E. Obina, SPM in Kisumu CMCC No. E056 of 2022 rendered on 16th November, 2023))
Ruling
1. The application dated 27th September 2024 seeks to review and set aside the order of this court made on 29th August 2024 dismissing this appeal for want of filing of a record of appeal pursuant to Order 42 of the Civil Procedure Rules and as directed by this court on 30th May 2024.
2. The applicant has explained the reasons for failure to file the record of appeal and the absence of decree sought from the lower court on several occasions as per the annexed correspondence.
3. A decree is an important document on appeal but a party is not prohibited from filing a record of appeal as directed by the court and subsequently filing a decree.
4. This was not the case here. This court cannot be blamed for dismissing the appeal as it could not keep the file open without action; noting that it is almost one year since the appeal was filed on 28th November 2023.
5. I have heard Mr. Sala Advocate on the reasons for delay and inaction. The Respondent has not raised any issue. I exercise discretion and allow the application dated 27th September 2024.
6. The order dismissing the appeal herein is hereby reviewed and set aside and substituted with the order reinstating the appeal dismissed for consideration on merit.
7. The Appellant is directed to file and serve a record of appeal together with written submissions within 14 days of today.
8. The Respondent shall file and serve written submissions within 10 day of service.
9. The lower court record to be availed including a duly signed decree forthwith.
10. Mention on 31st October 2024 to fix a judgment date.
11. I make no orders as to costs.
DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED AT KISUMU THIS 3RD DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024R. E. ABURILIJUDGE