[2017] KEHC 7378 (KLR)
The court found that the prosecution had adduced sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons. The evidence included testimony that the accused assaulted the deceased, resulting in injuries and death, and medical evidence confirming the cause of death. Applying the standard for a...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2017] KEHC 7378 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Republic; Defendant: Christopher Walta; Defendant: Leonard Langat
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kitui
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 62 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Ruling on Whether to Put Accused on Their Defence
- Outcome
- Accused to be put on their defence.
- Judges
- LN Mutende
- Legal Topics
- Murder, Prima Facie Case, Criminal Procedure, Burden of Proof
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Applicant
Christopher Walta
Defendant
Leonard Langat
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Ruling on Whether to Put Accused on Their Defence
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused to warrant putting them on their defence.
- 2 What constitutes a prima facie case in a murder trial.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the prosecution had adduced sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons. The evidence included testimony that the accused assaulted the deceased, resulting in injuries and death, and medical evidence confirming the cause of death. Applying the standard for a prima facie case as articulated in Ramanlal Trambklal Bhatt vs. Republic, the court held that a reasonable tribunal could convict on the evidence presented if no defence was offered. Therefore, the accused were required to be put on their defence pursuant to Section 306(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Court Disposition
Accused to be put on their defence.
Orders
- The accused are put on their defence pursuant to Section 306(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
20 paragraphs
KTI.NO.162/2017
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT KITUI
CRIMINAL CASE NO. 62 OF 2015
REPUBLIC……….………….…..PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
CHRISTOPHER WALTA ………..1ST ACCUSED
LEONARD LANGAT…….…...….2ND ACCUSED
R U L I NG
1. Christopher Waltaand Leonard Langat,hereinafter the 1st and 2nd Accused respectively are charged with the offence of Murdercontrary to Section 203as read with Section 204of the Penal Code (Cap. 63), Laws of Kenya.Particulars of the offence are that on the 1stday of May, 2014 at about 10. 00 a.m.at Nzangathi AP Camp, Kyalele Locationin Kitui County, murdered Mwangangi Mwanzui(Deceased).
2. The Deceased was arrested and taken to Nzangathi AP Campfollowing a complaint of theft against him by his mother, PW1 Ruth Muia.He was taken into custody by the Accused who assaulted him until he became unconscious. He passed on. The body was moved to Kitui District Hospital.
3. PW3 Doctor Patrick Mutukucarried out an autopsy on the body of the Deceased and found it having sustained injuries externally. There were bruises on the face more marked on the left side. The left limb was swollen especially on the shoulder. The right forearm had a bruise. He formed an opinion that the cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest due to possible shock due to severe pain.
4. To put the Accused on their defence there must be sufficient evidence to call upon them to defend themselves. The Prosecution should have established a prima faciecase against them.
5. What constitutes a prima faciecase was stated in the case of Ramanlal Trambklal Bhatt vs. Republic 332where the Court stated thus:
“A prima facie is made out if, at the close of the prosecution, the case is merely one “which on full consideration might possibly be thought sufficient to sustain a conviction”. This is perilously near suggesting that the court would not be prepared to convict if no defence is made, but rather hopes the defence will fill the gaps in the prosecution case. …… at least it must mean one on which a reasonable tribunal, properly directing its mind to the law and the evidence could convict if no explanation is offered by the defence.”
6. Evidence adduced so far establish a prima faciecase requiring the Accused being put on their defence pursuant to the provisions of Section 306(2)of the Criminal Procedure Code.
7. It is so ordered.
Dated, Signed and Deliveredat Kitui this 21stday of February,2017.
L. N. MUTENDE
JUDGE