Muratha & 17 others v Wambaki & 5 others (Environment and Land Case Civil Suit 1206 of 2015) [2022] KEELC 2459 (KLR) (28 April 2022) (Ruling) Neutral citation: [2022] KEELC 2459 (KLR) REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURT AT NAIROBI ENVIRONMENT AND LAND CASE CIVIL SUIT 1206 OF 2015 LC KOMINGOI, J APRIL 28, 2022 BETWEEN MICHAEL NJUGUNA MURATHA ................................................... 1ST PLAINTIFF CATHERINE NJERI KIBOI ............................................................... 2ND PLAINTIFF BENJAMIN NJUGUNA ...................................................................... 3RD PLAINTIFF DAVID KAHONGE KAMAU ............................................................. 4TH PLAINTIFF SIMON MWANGI ................................................................................ 5TH PLAINTIFF ZACHARIA GITHINJI NG’ANG’A ................................................... 6TH PLAINTIFF CHARLES MWANGI GATU .............................................................. 7TH PLAINTIFF VERONICA WAMBUI MUGO ........................................................... 8TH PLAINTIFF PETER KIMANI .................................................................................. 9TH PLAINTIFF PETER WAWERU .............................................................................. 10TH PLAINTIFF PETER NJOROGE MWANGI .......................................................... 11TH PLAINTIFF PETER NGIGE MOSES ..................................................................... 12TH PLAINTIFF JOSEPH MUIRURI MBUGUA ......................................................... 13TH PLAINTIFF LUCY WAITHERA KAMAU ........................................................... 14TH PLAINTIFF JOSEPH MBUGUA ............................................................................. 15TH PLAINTIFF FELISTAS NJERI ................................................................................ 16TH PLAINTIFF JOHNSON KINUA ............................................................................ 17TH PLAINTIFF FRANCIS MUHORO ........................................................................ 18TH PLAINTIFF AND https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2022/2459/eng@2022-04-28 1
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MARGARET NGE’ENDO WAMBAKI .......................................... 1ST DEFENDANT TERESIA WANJIKU WAMBAKI .................................................. 2ND DEFENDANT JOSEPH KIMANI GATHECHA ..................................................... 3RD DEFENDANT SAMEUL KAMAU KURIA ............................................................. 4TH DEFENDANT MARY WAIRIMU MURINGU T/A WAKIBUI HELP GROUP INVESTMENT .................................................................................. 5TH DEFENDANT CHIEF LANDS REGISTRAR THIKA .......................................... 6TH DEFENDANT RULING 1. This is the notice of motion dated 3st November 2021 brought under section 1A, 1B(a), 3 and 3A, section 63 (e) of the Civil Procedure Act Cap 21, order 51 rule 1 and all other enabling provisions of the law. 2. It seeks orders:a. That the Plaintifis/Applicants be allowed to reopen their case ad call for or provide further evidence in relation to this suit. b. That costs be in the cause. 3. The grounds are on the face of the application and are set out in paragraphs 1 to 7. 4. The application is supported by the afidavit of Michael Muratha, the 1st Plaintifi/Applicant herein sworn on the 3rd November 2021. 5. The application is opposed. There is a replying afidavit sworn by Joseph Kimani Gatheca, the 3rd Defendant/Respondent on the 10th November 2021. 6. I have considered the notice of motion and the afidavit in support. I have also considered the replying afidavit, and the submissions filed on behalf of the Plaintifis. The issue for determination is whether this application is merited. 7. Order 18 rule 10 of the Civil Procedure Rules provides that:“ The court may at any stage of the suit recall any witness who has been examined, and may, subject to the law of evidence for the time being in force; put such questions to him as the court thinks fit.” 8. I have considered the rival positions. It is the Plaintifis’ case that the case ought to be re-opened in order for them to adduce additional evidence. 9. I have considered the circumstances of this case and I find that it is in the interest of justice that I allow the application. 10. I find merit in this application and the same is allowed. The costs be borne by the Plaintifis. It is so ordered. DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED NAIROBI THIS 28TH DAY OF APRIL 2022. https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2022/2459/eng@2022-04-28 2
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………………………. L. KOMINGOI JUDGE In the presence of:Ms Wachira for Mr. Kahuthu for the Plaintifis Mr. Njonjo for the Defendants Steve - Court Assistant https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2022/2459/eng@2022-04-28 3
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