Oduor v Republic [2024] KEHC 3932 (KLR)

Oduor v Republic (Miscellaneous Criminal Application 45 of 2024) [2024] KEHC 3932 (KLR) (24 April 2024) (Ruling)

Neutral citation: [2024] KEHC 3932 (KLR)

Republic of Kenya

In the High Court at Kibera

Miscellaneous Criminal Application 45 of 2024

DR Kavedza, J

April 24, 2024

Between

Maurice Otieno Oduor

Applicant

and

Republic

Respondent

Ruling

1. The applicant filed a notice of motion application seeking resentencing. The application is supported by an affidavit dated 14th November 2023, sworn by the applicant. The averments made in support of the application are that is remorseful for the crime committed. He urged the court to resentence him.

2. In his pleadings, the applicant contended that he was charged, convicted and sentenced to serve life imprisonment by the Chief Magistrate’s court criminal case no. 2356 of 2007 for the offence defilement contrary to section 8 (1) and 8 (2) of the Sexual Offences Act, No. 3 of 2006. His appeal to the High Court in High Court High Court Criminal Appeal no. 778 of 2007 was dismissed. Similarly, his appeal to the Court of Appeal being no. 525 of 2010 was also dismissed and the life sentence was affirmed. He maintains that the time he has spent in prison is adequate rehabilitation. He urged the court to resentence him.

3. I have considered the application, the affidavit in support and the applicable law. From the record, I note that the matter was already handled by the Court of Appeal. If this court ventures into handling the application on its merits would be tantamount to a disregard for the hierarchy of courts. This court has no jurisdiction to supervise a superior court. As noted above, this court has already discharged its duty and became functus officio. I do not understand why the applicant having exhausted his avenues of appeal has come back to this court unless he is intent on abusing the court process.

4. As a result, the application is dismissed. The applicant is directed not to file a similar application unless with the leave of court.Orders accordingly.

RULING DATED AND DELIVERED VIRTUALLY THIS 24{{T}} DAY OF APRIL 2024D. KAVEDZAJUDGE