[2018] KEHC 2784 (KLR)
The court found that the prosecution, having called five witnesses, established a prima facie case against the accused for the offence of murder. Applying the standard set out in RAMANLAL BHATT vs. R and Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court determined that there is sufficient evidence which, if...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2018] KEHC 2784 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Republic; Defendant: Justine Kirimi Njagi
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Meru
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 39 of 2013
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Ruling on Case to Answer After Close of Prosecution Case
- Outcome
- Accused placed on his defence; prosecution established a prima facie case.
- Judges
- F Gikonyo
- Legal Topics
- Murder, Prima Facie Case, Case to Answer, Criminal Procedure, Burden of Proof
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Applicant
Justine Kirimi Njagi
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Ruling on Case to Answer After Close of Prosecution Case
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused to warrant being placed on his defence.
- 2 Whether the evidence adduced by the prosecution is sufficient to require the accused to answer the charge of murder.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the prosecution, having called five witnesses, established a prima facie case against the accused for the offence of murder. Applying the standard set out in RAMANLAL BHATT vs. R and Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court determined that there is sufficient evidence which, if unchallenged, could warrant a conviction. Therefore, the accused is required to be placed on his defence and informed of his rights under the law to address the court, give evidence, make an unsworn statement, or call witnesses. The court confirmed compliance with the procedural requirements of Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Court Disposition
Accused placed on his defence; prosecution established a prima facie case.
Orders
- The accused is placed on his defence.
- The accused is informed of his right to address the court, give evidence, make an unsworn statement, or call witnesses in his defence.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
25 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT MERU
CRIMINAL CASE NO.39 OF 2013
REPUBLIC..............................................PROSECUTOR
Versus
JUSTINE KIRIMI NJAGI.............................ACCUSED
RULING
[1] The accused person was charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code CAP 63 of the Laws of Kenya. The prosecution closed its case on 9th October 2018, having called a total of 5 witnesses. The question for determination before this court therefore, is whether the evidence adduced by the prosecution is sufficient to warrant the accused being placed on his defence. Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides that:-
306. (1) When the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution has been concluded, the court, if it considers that there is no evidence that the accused or any one of several accused committed the offence shall, after hearing, if necessary, any arguments which the advocate for the prosecution or the defence may desire to submit, record a finding of not guilty.
(2) When the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution has been concluded, the court, if it considers that there is evidence that the accused person or any one or more of several accused persons committed the offence, shall inform each such accused person of his right to address the court, either personally or by his advocate (if any), to give evidence on his own behalf, or to make an unsworn statement, and to call witnesses in his defence, and in all cases shall require him or his advocate (if any) to state whether it is intended to call any witnesses as to fact other than the accused person himself; and upon being informed thereof, the judge shall record the fact.
(3) If the accused person says that he does not intend to give evidence or make an unsworn statement, or to adduce evidence, then the advocate for the prosecution may sum up the case against the accused person; but if the accused person says that he intends to give evidence or make an unsworn statement, or to adduce evidence, the court shall call upon him to enter upon his defence.
[2] A Prima facie case has been said to be;
‘’…one which a reasonable tribunal properly directing its mind to the law and the evidence would convict if no explanation is offered by the defence’’. See RAMANLAL BHATT vs. R (1957) EA 332(CA)
[3] The accused is facing a charge of murder. Five witnesses gave evidence for the prosecution. Upon perusal of the said evidence adduced, there is a prima facie case established against the accused. Accordingly, the accused is hereby placed on his defence. The accused person has been duly informed of his right to address the court, either personally or by his advocate, to give evidence on his own behalf, or to make an unsworn statement, and to call witnesses in his defence. The accused or his advocate is required to state whether it is intended to call any witnesses as to fact other than the accused person himself. Section 306 of the CPC complied with. It is so ordered.
Dated, signed and delivered in open court at Meru this 31st day of October 2018
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F. GIKONYO
JUDGE
In presence of
Kiarie for state
M/S Nelima for accused – absent
Accused – present
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F. GIKONYO
JUDGE