Waweru & another v Noriega alias Ndura Waruinge (Environment and Land Case E083 of 2025) [2026] KEELC 4614 (KLR)
The bottom line
#What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Key legal issues
#Whether the Plaintiffs were entitled to eviction and a permanent injunction
Yes - the Plaintiffs produced certificates of title and the Defendant neither challenged the titles nor tendered evidence disputing ownership; the Plaintiffs are entitled to the orders sought.
The Plaintiffs produced certificates of title showing them as registered proprietors. Under sections 24(a), 25(1) and 26(1) of the Land Registration Act, registration vests absolute and indefeasible ownership. The Defendant did not enter appearance or file a defence, so no evidence challenged the titles. Criminal proceedings for forcible detainer further corroborated the Plaintiffs' account, and their evidence remained wholly uncontroverted at the formal proof hearing.
Whether general and punitive damages for trespass were warranted
Yes - trespass was established, and given the continuing trespass even after conviction, the court awarded Kshs 1,000,000 general damages and Kshs 5,000,000 punitive damages.
The evidence showed the Defendant unlawfully entered thirteen plots and blocked access to six others, continuing permanent developments despite protests. His workers and later the Defendant himself were convicted of offences including forcible detainer. Criminal convictions, while not conclusive of civil liability, were persuasive. The court invoked the Trespass Act and the principle that property is sacred against unlawful entry, and awarded general and punitive damages in light of the continuing trespass.
Whether mesne profits were payable
Yes - mesne profits were specifically pleaded and proved through an unchallenged valuation report; the court awarded the amount proved, Kshs 24,000,000.
Mesne profits constitute special damages requiring specific pleading and strict proof. The Plaintiffs pleaded the claim and called a registered valuer who assessed loss of user from the Defendant's occupation. The valuation evidence was unchallenged, entitling the court to rely on it. The court was satisfied the loss of user was proved to the extent established by the evidence and awarded the amount proved.
Legal principles established
#- Registration under the Land Registration Act vests absolute ownership in the proprietor, indefeasible except as provided by law.
- A certificate of title is prima facie evidence of absolute and indefeasible ownership unless impeached on the statutory grounds.
- Criminal proceedings do not conclusively determine civil liability but constitute persuasive evidence.
- Trespass is established where a person proves ownership of land and another enters or remains thereon without lawful justification.
- Mesne profits are special damages that must be specifically pleaded and strictly proved.
Court orders
#- 1.A permanent injunction restraining the Defendant, his servants, agents or persons claiming under him from entering, occupying, developing, constructing upon, alienating or in any other manner interfering with the suit properties Kajiado/Olooloitikoshi/Kitengela/60489-60493, 60497-60500 and 60505-60508
- 2.The Defendant to vacate the portions of the suit properties presently occupied within sixty (60) days from the date of the Judgment, failing which he is to be evicted forcefully
- 3.The OCS Ongata Rongai to provide security during the eviction once satisfied sixty days notice was issued by service of the order
- 4.General damages for trespass of Kshs 1,000,000 and punitive damages of Kshs 5,000,000
- 5.Mesne profits awarded of Kshs 24,000,000
- 6.The Plaintiff to have the costs of the suit
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Original jurisdiction of the Environment and Land Court under Article 162(2)(b) of the Constitution (land and environment disputes); the judgment does not expressly cite the jurisdictional provision.
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Waweru & another v Noriega alias Ndura Waruinge (Environment and Land Case E083 of 2025) [2026] KEELC 4614 (KLR)", Case Analysis (2026). ELC LC NO. E083 OF 2025. Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2026/4614/eng@2026-07-16
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.