[2022] KEELC 1484 (KLR)

[2022] KEELC 1484 (KLR)

The court found that the plaintiff failed to establish continuous, open, and exclusive possession of the suit property for the statutory period required for adverse possession, as the periods of occupation were interrupted by litigation and were not continuous for 12 years. However, the court held that the plaintiff...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2022] KEELC 1484 (KLR)
Parties
Plaintiff: Wilson K. Chepyegon; Defendant: Kimosop Chepyegon
Court
Environment and Land Court
Court Station
Environment and Land Court at Eldoret
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Environment & Land Case 372 of 2014
Procedural Posture
Originating Summons / Judgment
Outcome
Plaintiff's claim for adverse possession dismissed; claim for customary trust allowed.
Legal Topics
Adverse Possession, Customary Trusts, Succession and Inheritance, Family Land Disputes
Source Language
en
Land and Property Civil Procedure Adverse Possession Customary Trusts Succession and Inheritance Family Land Disputes

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Wilson K. Chepyegon

Plaintiff

Kimosop Chepyegon

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Originating Summons / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the plaintiff is entitled to the suit property by virtue of adverse possession.
  2. 2 Whether the plaintiff is entitled to the suit property by virtue of customary trust.
  3. 3 Who should bear the costs of the suit.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the plaintiff failed to establish continuous, open, and exclusive possession of the suit property for the statutory period required for adverse possession, as the periods of occupation were interrupted by litigation and were not continuous for 12 years. However, the court held that the plaintiff had established an implied customary trust over half of the suit property. The evidence showed that the land was originally family land registered in the name of the parties' late father, and the plaintiff, as a direct sibling, was not provided for in the succession due to being a minor. The defendant's inconsistent explanations regarding acquisition of the title and lack of...

Court Disposition

Plaintiff's claim for adverse possession dismissed; claim for customary trust allowed.

Orders

  • A declaration is issued that Wilson K. Chepyegon holds one half of land parcel Sacho/Kabasis/475, registered in the name of Kimosop Chepyegon, in trust.
  • Plaintiff and defendant shall each pay half of any outstanding amount on the charge registered on the title; if they fail to agree, either may pay and recover half from the other as a debt.