NM v M’marete Ibutu, Joseph Muthuri, M’itonga M’mburugu, M’nkanata M’ikiungu, Matiri Rubara, Gerald Mwirigi Marete, District Land Adjudication & Settlement Officer Meru, District Land Registrar & Attorney General [2021] KEELC 214 (KLR)
Full Case Text
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURT
AT MERU
MISC. APPLICATION NO. E038 OF 2021
NM...................................................................................................................APPLICANT
VERSUS
M’MARETE IBUTU.........................................................................1ST RESPONDENT
JOSEPH MUTHURI..........................................................................2ND RESPONDENT
M’ITONGA M’MBURUGU..............................................................3RD RESPONDENT
M’NKANATA M’IKIUNGU..............................................................4TH RESPONDENT
MATIRI RUBARA.............................................................................5TH RESPONDENT
GERALD MWIRIGI MARETE.......................................................6TH RESPONDENT
THE DISTRICT LAND
ADJUDICATION & SETTLEMENT OFFICER MERU..............7TH RESPONDENT
THE DISTRICT LAND REGISTRAR...........................................8TH RESPONDENT
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.........................................................9TH RESPONDENT
RULING
1. By an application dated 12. 10. 2021 the court is urged to appoint NM as a friend and guardian ad litem for SM alleged to be suffering some mental illness.
2. The application is based on the grounds on its face and a supporting affidavit sworn on 13. 10. 2021 in which he attaches a medical report by Dr. Riungu which indicates the subject suffers from senile dementia.
3. Section 26 of the Mental Health Act as read together with Order 32 Rule 4 envisages a situation whereby the court is moved by way of a petition or an originating summons. The court is expected to undertake a judicial inquiry before making an order to appoint a guardian.
4. Similarly there must be consents from the family members and the subject must be submitted to court for the inquiry. The instant application neither an originating summons nor a petition.
5. In the premises I find the application lacking merits.
The same is struck out with no order as to costs.
DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS AT MERU THIS 15TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2021
In presence of:
Thuo for applicant
Court Assistant - Kananu
HON. C.K. NZILI
ELC JUDGE