In re Estate of M’ Itirai Kamakia alias Ithirai Kamakia (Deceased) [2017] KEHC 2344 (KLR)

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA

AT MERU

SUCCESSION CAUSE NO. 302 0F 2012

In the Matter of the Estate of the Late M’ Itirai Kamakia Alias Ithirai Kamakia (Deceased)

STEPHEN MARANGU M’ ITIRAI.……………….........…....................PETITIONER

-VERSUS-

SILVERIA NCECE M’ IRURA…..…………………..….........……..1ST OBJECTOR

SARAH NAITORE…………..……………………...……….......…2ND OBJECTOR

MARIETA NDURU MWIRIGI……………………......………....…3RD OBJECTOR

BEATRICE MWARI……………………………….....………….....4TH OBJECTOR

ELIZABETH MUGURE…………………………...……..................5TH OBJECTOR

JUDGMENT

[1]   In a Summons dated 15th November 2016, the Objectors seeks for the following orders:

1. That the Grant of Probate for Letters of Administration intestate made to the said Sarah Naitore and Stephen Marangu on 30th April 2015 be confirmed.

2. That the Estate of the deceased be distributed in terms of paragraph 5 of the Petitioner’s Affidavit and the consent letter annexed thereto.

3. That the costs of this application be in the cause.

Though not material defect, it is worth to mention that the provisions of the law under which the application is premised has not been stated. Nevertheless, the Objectors case is that the identification and shares of all persons beneficially entitled to the said estate have been ascertained and determined as per paragraph 5 of the Affidavit in support of the Summons sworn by the 2nd Objector.

[2]  When the matter came up for hearing on 14th March 2017, Mr. Mugambi, legal counsel for the Petitioner intimated to court that he had instructions to file a protest to the instant application and requested for 14 days to do so. The court obliged and the matter was scheduled for mention on 26th April 2017 to assign it a date for judgment. On 26th April 2017, Mr. Wanjohi holding brief for Mr. Mugambi for the Petitioner informed the court that Mr. Mugambi would file his proposed mode of distribution by 3rd May 2017 and requested more time to do so. The court observed that Mr. Mugambi was in default but nonetheless allowed him up to 3rd May 2017 to file his client’s mode of distribution but with strict admonition that the court would determine the application regardless of whether or not he had filed his client’s mode of distribution. Parties and legal counsels should always know that they are under a duty to assist the Court to further the overriding objective of the law and participate in the processes of the Court and to comply with the directions and orders of the Court in order to facilitate the just, expeditious, proportionate and affordable resolution of disputes. I must note that Mr. Mugambi for the Protestor has not up to date filed his client’s mode of distribution despite having been given ample time to do so. Such party is not a diligent suitor of justice and shall not be allowed to hold the court at ransom or benefit from his own default. I will however consider the law and the proposals by the Objector.

DETERMINATION

[3]  I have carefully perused the record and the material placed before this court. I have also considered the law applicable. The beneficiaries gave their formal consent to the mode of distribution of estate and confirmation of grant. Accordingly, I confirm the Grant of Letters of Administration issued to Sarah Naitore and Stephen Marangu on 30th April 2015; and distribution of the Estate of the deceased shall be in accordance with paragraph 5 of the 2nd Objectors affidavit as follows:-

LAND PARCEL NO. ABOTHUGUCHI/L-KAONG/32

NAMENO OF SHARES

1.         MARIETA NDURU MWIRIGI                                                      3. 9188

2.         SARAH NAITORE                                                                       3. 9188

3.         JAMES MUTWIRI & CHARLES MURANGIRI                          3. 9188

4.         BEATRICE NTHUNI RIMIRI                                                         3. 9188

5.         SILVERIA NCECE                                                                        3. 9188

6.         ELIZABETH MUGURE                                                                 3. 9188

7.         MICHAEL ROBERT                                                                      1 ACRE

8.         STEPHEN MARANGU                                                                  1 ACRE

9.         EVANGELINE  KAIMENYI                                                             1 ACRE

LAND PARCEL NO. ABOTHUGUCHI/KIIJA/68

1.         MARIETA NDURU MWIRIGI                                                        3. 186

2.         SARAH NAITORE                                                                        3,186

3.         JAMES MUTWIRI & CHARELS MURANGIRI                           3,186

4.         BEATRICE NTHUNI RIMIRI                                                          3,186

5.         SILVERIA NCECE                                                                         3,186

6.         ELIZABETH MUGURE                                                                 3,186

7.         MICHAEL ROBERT                                                                     2. 25

8.         STEPHEN MARANGU                                                                2. 25

9.         EVANGELINE  KAIMENYI                                                           2. 25

LAND PARCEL NO. ABOTHUGUCHI/L-KIIJA/190

1.         MARIETA NDURU MWIRIGI                                                      1. 36

2.         SARAH NAITORE                                                                       1. 36

3.         JAMES MUTWIRI & CHARLES MURANGIRI                         1. 36

4.         BEATRICE NTHUNI RIMIRI                                                        1. 36

5.         SILVERIA NCECE                                                                       1. 36

6.         ELIZABETH MUGURE                                                                1. 36

7.         MICHAEL ROBERT                                                                    1. 35

8.         STEPHEN MARANGU                                                                1. 35

9.         EVANGELINE  KAIMENYI                                                           1. 35

[4]   This being a succession matter, there will be no order as to costs.

Dated, signed and delivered in open court at Meru this 4th day of October 2017

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F. GIKONYO

JUDGE

In the presence of:

Mr. Kithinji advocate for Mr.Mugambi advocate for petitioner

Petitioner – present

Mr. Mutegi advocate for A.G. Riungu for Objectors

All other parties – present

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F. GIKONYO

JUDGE