[2020] KEHC 5358 (KLR)

[2020] KEHC 5358 (KLR)

The trial magistrate erred by relying on hearsay evidence from the police officer, which was based on an unproduced Occurrence Book entry, to dismiss the appellant's case. The respondent did not adduce any evidence to controvert the appellant's account that the respondent's motor vehicle veered into the path of the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2020] KEHC 5358 (KLR)
Parties
Appellant: Paskalia Abuko Shibero; Respondent: George Onyango Orodi
Court
High Court
Court Station
High Court at Kakamega
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Civil Appeal 110 of 2018
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed. Judgment of the lower court set aside. Judgment entered for the appellant against the respondent for Ksh. 406,000 with costs and interest.
Judges
CM Njagi
Legal Topics
Road Traffic Accidents, Negligence, Standard of Proof, Damages Assessment
Source Language
en
Tort Law Civil Procedure Road Traffic Accidents Negligence Standard of Proof Damages Assessment

Source-derived case record

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Parties

Paskalia Abuko Shibero

Appellant

George Onyango Orodi

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial magistrate erred in law and fact by failing to appreciate the standard of proof in civil cases.
  2. 2 Whether the trial magistrate erred in law and fact in arriving at a finding against the weight of evidence tendered by the appellant.
  3. 3 Whether a pillion passenger can be held liable for the causation of an accident.

Ratio Decidendi

The trial magistrate erred by relying on hearsay evidence from the police officer, which was based on an unproduced Occurrence Book entry, to dismiss the appellant's case. The respondent did not adduce any evidence to controvert the appellant's account that the respondent's motor vehicle veered into the path of the motorcycle and caused the accident. The appellant, as a pillion passenger, could not be held liable for the accident. The standard of proof in civil cases is on a balance of probabilities, and the appellant's evidence was unchallenged. The trial court's finding on liability was set aside, and the respondent was found 100% liable. The appellant was awarded Ksh. 400,000 in...

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed. Judgment of the lower court set aside. Judgment entered for the appellant against the respondent for Ksh. 406,000 with costs and interest.

Orders

  • The judgment of the lower court is set aside.
  • Judgment is entered for the appellant against the respondent for Ksh. 406,000 (Ksh. 400,000 general damages and Ksh. 6,000 special damages).