Republic v Njuguna & another [2024] KEHC 12656 (KLR)

Republic v Njuguna & another (Criminal Case 66 of 2020) [2024] KEHC 12656 (KLR) (22 October 2024) (Ruling)

Neutral citation: [2024] KEHC 12656 (KLR)

Republic of Kenya

In the High Court at Kibera

Criminal Case 66 of 2020

DR Kavedza, J

October 22, 2024

Between

Republic

Prosecutor

and

Lucy Waithera Njuguna

1st Accused

John Thari Gakinya

2nd Accused

Ruling

1. This ruling is issued in response to an objection raised by counsel for the defence. During the hearing of the case, the prosecution, through its witness Nicholas Ndegwa (PW15), sought to introduce a Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) document as an exhibit. The defence objected to the production of the aforementioned exhibit.

2. I have duly considered the oral submissions made by Mr. Mulama on behalf of the prosecution, as well as those presented by Mr. Wandungi and Mr. Ochichi for the accused persons.

3. Upon reviewing the record, it is evident that the witness stated he received the cheque from Winston Otieno, a teller at the bank, who in turn had received the cheque from Faith Njambi, an employee of Hari Gakinya & Co. Advocates. Notably, both Faith and Winston were not called as witnesses to testify. Furthermore, the witness (PW15) indicated that after consulting with Maralal and the Headquarters, he was advised not to cash the RTGS. However, the emails that facilitated this communication were not produced by the witness.

4. It is pertinent to note that the witness is not the maker of the document in question. The prosecution has failed to establish a proper legal foundation for why this witness should be permitted to produce the exhibit. As such, there is no legal basis for the witness to produce the exhibit, and the evidence does not fall within any exceptions to the rule under Section 35 of the Evidence Act. I am inclined to concur with the defence counsel's position that PW15, Nicholas Ndegwa, cannot produce the RTGS as an exhibit; he may only mark it for identification.

5. Accordingly, I sustain the objection and hereby overrule the prosecution's request to produce the exhibit.

6. Orders accordingly.

Ruling dated and delivered virtually this 22nd day of October 2024D. KAVEDZAJUDGEIn the presence of:Ms. Maina for the StateMs. Wanduyi for the Accused personsAchode/Omwoyo Court Assistants.Page 1 of 1