JOSEPH MBURU GITAU & 626 OTHERS V THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE [2008] KEHC 94 (KLR)

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI (NAIROBI LAW COURTS) Miscellaneous Civil Application 673 of 2005

1.     JOSEPH MBURU GITAU

2.     FELISTA WARIARA NDUKU

3.     ISAAC MBURU NJUGUNA

4.     KEZIAH WANJA KINOTI

5.     CECELIA WANJIRU GICHURU

6.     GODFREY MUCHANJI AJIAMBO

7.     FLACIA NJOKI

8.     CHRISTIAN MUCHANJI AJIAMBO

9.     MANY WAMBUI KARARI

10.   JOSPHAT NJUGUNA MWANGI & 626 OTHERS...............APPLICANTS

VERSUS

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

THE COMMISSIONER OF LANDS

THE HONOURBLE ATTORNEY GENERAL..................................DEFENDANTS

EX-PARTE

1.  JOSEPH MBURU GITAU

2.   FELISTA WARIARA NDUKU

3.   ISAAC MBURU NJUGUNA

4.   KEZIA WANJA KINOTI

5.   CECELIA WANJIRU GICHURU

6.   GODFREY MUCHANJI AJIAMBO

7.   FLACIA NJOKI MUIRURI

8.   CHRITIAN MUCHANJI AMIAMBO

9.   MARY WAMBUI KARARI

10. JOSPHAT NJUGUNA MWANGI & 626 OTHRS

RULING

What is before me is an application for leave to commence contempt of court proceedings against three alleged contemnors. The application is dated 4th July, 2008.

I have taken into account the submissions of Counsel.  What stands out is the issue of service of the orders.  A perusal of the affidavit of the process server filed in court on 10th November, 2005 does not depone to the orders/decree having been personally served on the alleged contemnors.  The orders were left with the registry staff in each case.

I find that personal service was not effected and for this reason the applicant has to start all over again.  I strike down the application dated 4th July 2008 and further order that costs abide the outcome of the main application when determined.

DATED and delivered at Nairobi this 19th day of September, 2008.

J.G. NYAMU

JUDGE