[2024] KEELC 822 (KLR)
The court found that the applicant's explanation for non-attendance—namely, counsel's inability to log into the virtual court session due to a sudden power outage affecting internet connectivity—was plausible and satisfactory. The court held that, in the interests of justice and considering the explanation provided,...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2024] KEELC 822 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Alphonce Lumumba Omolo; Defendant: Beatrice Agengo Akinyi; Defendant: Lucy Juma Agengo
- Court
- Environment and Land Court
- Court Station
- Environment and Land Court at Kisumu
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Environment & Land Case 193 of 2017
- Procedural Posture
- Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Dismissal and Reinstate Suit
- Outcome
- application allowed; dismissal order set aside; application reinstated
- Judges
- E Asati
- Legal Topics
- Setting Aside Ex Parte Orders, Reinstatement of Suit, Non Attendance Explanation
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Alphonce Lumumba Omolo
Plaintiff
Beatrice Agengo Akinyi
Defendant
Lucy Juma Agengo
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Dismissal and Reinstate Suit
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the plaintiff has provided a satisfactory explanation for non-attendance leading to dismissal of the application.
- 2 Whether the court should set aside the dismissal order and reinstate the plaintiff's application.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicant's explanation for non-attendance—namely, counsel's inability to log into the virtual court session due to a sudden power outage affecting internet connectivity—was plausible and satisfactory. The court held that, in the interests of justice and considering the explanation provided, the dismissal order should be set aside and the plaintiff's application reinstated for hearing on its merits. The court emphasized the importance of affording parties an opportunity to be heard, especially where non-attendance is explained satisfactorily and is not due to deliberate inaction or abuse of process.
Court Disposition
application allowed; dismissal order set aside; application reinstated
Orders
- The dismissal order made on 30.10.2023 is set aside.
- The plaintiff’s application dated 15th March 2023 is reinstated for hearing on merit.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
22 paragraphs
Omolo v Akinyi & another (Environment & Land Case 193 of 2017) [2024] KEELC 822 (KLR) (22 February 2024) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2024] KEELC 822 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the Environment and Land Court at Kisumu
Environment & Land Case 193 of 2017
E Asati, J
February 22, 2024
Between
Alphonce Lumumba Omolo
Plaintiff
and
Beatrice Agengo Akinyi
1st Defendant
Lucy Juma Agengo
2nd Defendant
Ruling
1. The application before court for determination is the Notice of Motion dated 20th November, 2023 which seeks for orders that the honourable court be pleased to set aside its dismissal order made on 30. 10. 2023 and reinstate the plaintiff’s application dated 15th March 2023 to hearing on merit.
2. The applicant’s explanation for non-attendance when the dismissal order was made is that Counsel for the applicant had difficulties logging into the virtual court session due to sudden power outage which affected her internet connectivity and that by the time she finally logged in, the matter had been called out and the application dismissed for want of prosecution.
3. The application was opposed vide the grounds of opposition dated 6/12/2023 that the application is incompetent, frivolous and vexatious and ought to be dismissed. That the application is an abuse of the court process as it was filed after delay.
4. One of the cardinal principles for setting aside of ex parte court orders is satisfactory explanation for non- attendance by the applicant.
5. I have considered the explanation and the grounds advanced in opposition of the application. I find that the explanation for non-attendance is plausible and hereby allow the application. Costs in the cause.Orders accordingly.
RULING, DATED AND SIGNED AT KISUMU AND READ VIRTUALLY THIS 22ND DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2024 THROUGH MICROSOFT TEAMS ONLINE APPLICATION.E. ASATI,JUDGE.In the presence of:Maureen - Court Assistant.Omondi for the Plaintiff/ApplicantNo appearance for the Defendants/Respondents.