Ephantus Nyaga Njagi v DPP [2021] KEHC 2144 (KLR)
Full Case Text
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA
AT KIAMBU
MISC. CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO. 95 OF 2019
EPHANTUS NYAGA NJAGI...............................................................................APPLICANT
VERSUS
DPP........................................................................................................................RESPONDENT
RULING
1. The motor vehicle registration Number KCE 582K is registered in the name EPHANTUS NYAGAH NJAGI. The vehicle has been in the custody of Directorate of criminal Investigation (DCI) Headquarters, Nairobi following the institution of the Kiambu High Court Criminal Case No. 9 of 2019.
2. By notice of motion application dated 2nd August, 2021 Mr. Njagi seeks the vehicle be released to him. He deponed in his affidavit in support that he had continued to suffer economic loss because the detained vehicle is an income generating asset.
3. The application is not opposed by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, DPP does request that an order be issued restraining Mr. Njagi from disposing the vehicle and that the vehicle be released on condition the DCI be permitted to photograph the vehicle.
ANALYSIS
4. The vehicle is held by DCI in view of the ongoing Kiambu Criminal Case No. 9 of 2019. It is however clear that the continued retention of that vehicle by DCI is not material to the pending criminal case. The orders sought subject to the conditions requested by DPP will be granted.
CONCLUSION
5. In respect to the Notice of Motion dated 2nd August, 2021, I grant the following orders:-
(a) Motor vehicle registration KCE 582K shall henceforth be released to EPHANTUS NYAGA NJAGI on condition that said motor vehicle’s ownership will not change during the subsistence of Kiambu Criminal Case No. 9 of 2019.
(b) The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is hereby permitted to photograph the said vehicle prior to its release.
(c) There shall be no orders as to costs.
RULING DATED AND DELIVERED AT KIAMBU THIS 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
MARY KASANGO
JUDGE
CORAM:
COURT ASSISTANT: MOURICE
FOR APPLICANT : MR. GACHOKA
FOR DPP: MS. KATHAMBI
COURT
RULING DELIVERED VIRTUALLY.
MARY KASANGO
JUDGE