Sudi v Khaemba (Environment and Land Miscellaneous Case E012 of 2025) [2026] KEMC 602 (KLR)
The bottom line
#A Bungoma court refused to evict a widow from family land, ruling that a customary trust and her status as the deceased's wife entitled her to a share.
What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Key legal issues
#Whether the Defendant was the deceased's wife
The Defendant was the deceased's second wife; the Plaintiff and the Defendant are the deceased's widows for purposes of succession.
The Defendant produced the chief's letter, the school principal's letter and the funeral program showing she was the deceased's second wife, corroborated by the clan secretary's lufu minutes which the Plaintiff never impeached. The deceased's father, though evasive, admitted the deceased lived with the Defendant and that his body was taken to her house, consistent with custom that a married man's remains go to his wife's home. The court applied Musela v Wambui on presumption of marriage from cohabitation and recognition by family, and Gatwiri v Karonga on capacity under a subsisting monogamous marriage.
Whether a customary trust exists in favour of the Defendant over the suit property
A customary trust exists in favour of the Defendant with respect to the suit property, entitling her to a share.
The suit property was originally registered in the deceased's father's name, who handed the title deed to the Plaintiff to hold for the benefit of the deceased's children; the Plaintiff then procured registration in her own name. Applying the Kiebia v M'lintari ingredients, the land was family land before registration, the Defendant is a member of the deceased's family by marriage and a beneficiary, and her claim is directed against a registered proprietor who is a family member. Section 28 of the Land Registration Act recognizes customary trust as an overriding interest, defeating the Plaintiff's indefeasible title.
Who should bear the costs of the suit
Each party to bear their own costs, departing from the general rule that costs follow the event.
Under section 27 of the Civil Procedure Act a court may depart from the general rule where circumstances permit. Given the parties' relationship as co-widows of the same deceased, the court considered it improper to burden either side with costs.
Legal principles established
#- Section 3(5) of the Law of Succession Act applies to women in 'come we stay' marriages and long cohabitation; such women are widows of the deceased for purposes of succession.
- Where a registered proprietor's root of title is under challenge, it is not enough to wave the certificate of title; the proprietor must prove the legality of the acquisition.
- The ingredients of a customary trust as set out by the Supreme Court in Kiebia v M'lintari, including that the land was family, clan or group land before registration and the claimant is a family member whose claim is directed against a registered proprietor who is a family member.
- A customary trust is an overriding interest under section 28 of the Land Registration Act and need not be noted in the register.
- An elderly member of a clan may qualify as an expert in his clan's customary law.
Court orders
#- 1.The Plaintiff's suit is dismissed
- 2.Each party to bear their own costs
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Original civil jurisdiction of the magistrates' court over the suit property (land parcel W.Bukusu/W.Siboti/1326); inherent and general powers under sections 1A, 1B and 22(b) of the Civil Procedure Act invoked during trial
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Sudi v Khaemba (Environment and Land Miscellaneous Case E012 of 2025) [2026] KEMC 602 (KLR)", Case Analysis (2026). Not stated in the judgment (filed as a miscellaneous application, treated as a substantive suit). Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kemc/2026/602/eng@2026-08-06
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.