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Criminal Law
Traffic rules minor offences 2016
What is an offence?
An offence means an act, attempt or omission punishable by law.
What are the types of Offences?
a. Misdemeanor {Section 36 of the Penal Code}
This is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with a fine, or with both.
b. Felony {Section 3 of the Penal Code}
This is an offence which… is punishable, without proof of previous conviction, with death, or with imprisonment for three years or more.
PARTIES TO AN OFFENCE
a. Principal offenders {Section 20(1) of the Penal Code}
These are people who either;
• Commit an act or omission which constitutes an offence.
• Does an act or omits to perform an act which aids another in committing an offence.
• Aids or abets a person in committing the offence e.g. provides an escape car.
• Counsels or procures another in committing an offence.
b. Joint offenders {Section 21 of the Penal Code}
Where two or more persons form a common intention to prosecute an unlawful purpose in conjunction with one another and in the prosecution of such a purpose an offence is committed, such persons will have a joint liability.
This is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with a fine, or with both.
b. Felony {Section 3 of the Penal Code}
This is an offence which… is punishable, without proof of previous conviction, with death, or with imprisonment for three years or more.
PARTIES TO AN OFFENCE
a. Principal offenders {Section 20(1) of the Penal Code}
These are people who either;
• Commit an act or omission which constitutes an offence.
• Does an act or omits to perform an act which aids another in committing an offence.
• Aids or abets a person in committing the offence e.g. provides an escape car.
• Counsels or procures another in committing an offence.
b. Joint offenders {Section 21 of the Penal Code}
Where two or more persons form a common intention to prosecute an unlawful purpose in conjunction with one another and in the prosecution of such a purpose an offence is committed, such persons will have a joint liability.
What are the different kinds of punishments available? {Section 24 of the Penal Code}
• Death.
• Imprisonment.
• Community service under a community service order.
• Detention under the Detention Camps Act.
• Fine.
• Forfeiture.
• Payment of compensation.
• Finding security to keep the peace and be of good behavior.
• Any other punishment provided by the Penal Code Act.
• Imprisonment.
• Community service under a community service order.
• Detention under the Detention Camps Act.
• Fine.
• Forfeiture.
• Payment of compensation.
• Finding security to keep the peace and be of good behavior.
• Any other punishment provided by the Penal Code Act.
Can a police officer use force when making an arrest? {Section 18 of the Penal Code}
Yes, a police officer can use force when making an arrest but only when the person being arrested uses force to resist the arrest or tries to evade being arrested.
However, the courts will evaluate the extent of force used and the gravity of offence committed.
However, the courts will evaluate the extent of force used and the gravity of offence committed.
What are the rights of an arrested person? {Article 49(1)(a-h) of the Constitution}
• To be informed in the language they understand of; the reason for the arrest, the right to remain silent and the consequences of not remaining silent.
• To remain silent.
• To communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary.
• Not to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against the person.
• To be held separately from persons who are serving a sentence.
• To be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than; twenty-four hours after being arrested or if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary court hours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day.
• At the first court appearance, to be charged or informed of the reason for the detention continuing, or to be released.
• To be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.
• To remain silent.
• To communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary.
• Not to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against the person.
• To be held separately from persons who are serving a sentence.
• To be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than; twenty-four hours after being arrested or if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary court hours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day.
• At the first court appearance, to be charged or informed of the reason for the detention continuing, or to be released.
• To be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.
What are the rights of an accused person as to the right to a fair trial? {Article 50(2)(a-q)of the Constitution}
• To be presumed innocent until proven guilty
• To be informed of the charge, with sufficient detail to answer it.
• To have adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
• To a public trial before a court.
• To have the trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay.
• To be present when being tried, unless the conduct of the accused person makes it impossible for the trial to proceed.
• To choose, and be represented by, an advocate, and to be informed of this right promptly.
• To have an advocate assigned to the accused person by the State and at State expense if substantial injustice would otherwise result, and to be informed of this right promptly.
• To remain silent, and not to testify during the proceedings.
• To be informed in advance of the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, and to have reasonable access to that evidence.
• To adduce and challenge evidence.
• To refuse to give self-incriminating evidence;
• To have the assistance of an interpreter without payment if the accused person cannot understand the language used at the trial.
• To not to be convicted for an act or omission that at the time it was committed or omitted was not— (i) an offence in Kenya; or (ii) a crime under international law;
• Not to be tried for an offence in respect of an act or omission for which the accused person has previously been either acquitted or convicted.
• To the benefit of the least severe of the prescribed punishments for an offence, if the prescribed punishment for the offence has been changed between the time that the offence was committed and the time of sentencing.
• If convicted, to appeal to, or apply for review by, a higher court as prescribed by law.
• To be informed of the charge, with sufficient detail to answer it.
• To have adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
• To a public trial before a court.
• To have the trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay.
• To be present when being tried, unless the conduct of the accused person makes it impossible for the trial to proceed.
• To choose, and be represented by, an advocate, and to be informed of this right promptly.
• To have an advocate assigned to the accused person by the State and at State expense if substantial injustice would otherwise result, and to be informed of this right promptly.
• To remain silent, and not to testify during the proceedings.
• To be informed in advance of the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, and to have reasonable access to that evidence.
• To adduce and challenge evidence.
• To refuse to give self-incriminating evidence;
• To have the assistance of an interpreter without payment if the accused person cannot understand the language used at the trial.
• To not to be convicted for an act or omission that at the time it was committed or omitted was not— (i) an offence in Kenya; or (ii) a crime under international law;
• Not to be tried for an offence in respect of an act or omission for which the accused person has previously been either acquitted or convicted.
• To the benefit of the least severe of the prescribed punishments for an offence, if the prescribed punishment for the offence has been changed between the time that the offence was committed and the time of sentencing.
• If convicted, to appeal to, or apply for review by, a higher court as prescribed by law.
What is the Criminal Liability of Children? {Section 14(1)-(3) of the Penal Code}
• A child under the age of eight years is not criminally responsible for any act or omission.
• A child under the age of twelve years is not criminally responsible for an act or omission, unless it is proved that at the time of doing the act or making the omission he had capacity to know that he ought not to do the act or make the omission.
• A male person under the age of twelve years is presumed to be incapable of having carnal knowledge.
• A child under the age of twelve years is not criminally responsible for an act or omission, unless it is proved that at the time of doing the act or making the omission he had capacity to know that he ought not to do the act or make the omission.
• A male person under the age of twelve years is presumed to be incapable of having carnal knowledge.
What is an Insult to religion? {Section 134 of the Penal Code}
This is when a person destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship or any object which is held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of insulting the religion or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion.
What is the liability for the offence of an insult to religion? {Section 134 of the Penal Code}
Any person who commits this offence is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is the punishment for writing or uttering words with the intent to wound religious feelings? {Section 138 of the Penal Code}
Any person who commits this offence is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.
Is hindering the burial of a dead body an offence?{Section 137 of the Penal Code}
Yes it’s an offence, in which a person is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Is prostitution an offence in Kenya? {Sections 153, 154, 155 and 156 of the Penal Code}
No, it’s not an offence. However, profiting from prostitution or aiding or abetting or inciting prostitution is an offence in which one is guilty of a felony.
Is abortion legal in Kenya?
No, it is illegal.
However, according to Article 26(iv) of the Constitution, it is permitted only in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law.
However, according to Article 26(iv) of the Constitution, it is permitted only in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law.
What is the punishment for attempting to procure an abortion? {Section 158 of the Penal Code}
Any person who, with intent to procure miscarriage of a woman, whether she is or is not withchild, unlawfully administers to her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means whatever, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
What is the punishment for supplying drugs or instruments to procure an abortion? {Section 160 of the Penal Code}
Any person who unlawfully and knowingly supplies drugs or instruments used to procure the miscarriage of a woman whether she is or is not with child, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
What is child stealing? {Section 174(1a) of the Penal Code}
When a person intentionally deprives a parent, guardian or other person who has the lawful care or charge of a child under the age of fourteen years of the possession of the child by forcibly or fraudulently taking or enticing away or detaining the child; or receives or harbors the child, with knowledge that it has been taken or enticed away or detained.
What is the punishment for Child stealing? {Section 174(1b) of the Penal Code}
Any person who has committed this offence is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
What is stealing? {Section 268(1) of the Penal Code}
Stealing is taking without claim of right anything capable of being stolen, or fraudulently converting any property to the use of any person, other than the rightful owner.
What things are capable of been stolen? {Section 267 of the Penal Code}
• Inanimate things which are moveable e.g. cars, wheelbarrows and that belong to another person.
• Inanimate things which are capable of been made movable.These things are capable of being stolen as soon as they become movable.
• Tame animals, whether tame by nature e.g. cow or chicken/ wild by nature and subsequently tamed e.g. tamed lion.
• Animals which are wild by nature, and which are usually kept in a state of confinement(cage), whether they are actually in confinement or have escaped from confinement.
• Wild animals which are ordinarily found in a condition of natural liberty in Kenya e.g. monkeys, which are the property of any person, are capable of being stolen while they are in confinement, and while they are being actually pursued after escaping from confinement, but not at any other time.
• Wild animals in the enjoyment of their natural liberty e.g. elephants in the Tsavo National Park are not capable of being stolen, but their Dead bodies are capable of being stolen.
• Everything produced by or forming part of the body of an animal capable of being stolen is capable of being stolen e.g. animal fur.
• Information is capable of being stolen.
• Inanimate things which are capable of been made movable.These things are capable of being stolen as soon as they become movable.
• Tame animals, whether tame by nature e.g. cow or chicken/ wild by nature and subsequently tamed e.g. tamed lion.
• Animals which are wild by nature, and which are usually kept in a state of confinement(cage), whether they are actually in confinement or have escaped from confinement.
• Wild animals which are ordinarily found in a condition of natural liberty in Kenya e.g. monkeys, which are the property of any person, are capable of being stolen while they are in confinement, and while they are being actually pursued after escaping from confinement, but not at any other time.
• Wild animals in the enjoyment of their natural liberty e.g. elephants in the Tsavo National Park are not capable of being stolen, but their Dead bodies are capable of being stolen.
• Everything produced by or forming part of the body of an animal capable of being stolen is capable of being stolen e.g. animal fur.
• Information is capable of being stolen.
Can a husband/wife be charged of theft by the other spouse? {Section 274 of the Penal Code}
Yes, when a spouse together with another person procures anything belonging to the other spouse with knowledge that it would have been considered to be theft if they were not married, can be charged for theft.
What is handling stolen goods? {Section 322(1) of the Penal Code}
A person handles stolen goods if (otherwise than in the course of the stealing) knowing or having reason to believe them to be stolen goods he dishonestly receives or retains the goods, or dishonestly undertakes, or assists in, their retention, removal, disposal or realization by or for the benefit of another person, or if he arranges to do so.
What is the punishment for handling stolen goods? {Section 322(2) of the Penal Code}
A person who handles stolen goods is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment with hard labor for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
What are stolen goods? {Section 322(3a) of the Penal Code}
These are goods when obtained amount to a felony or misdemeanor.
No goods shall be regarded as having continued to be stolen goods after they have been restored to the person from whom they were stolen or to other lawful possession or custody.
No goods shall be regarded as having continued to be stolen goods after they have been restored to the person from whom they were stolen or to other lawful possession or custody.
What is the punishment issued to a tenant who steals fixtures or chattels let to him with a house? {Section 284 of the Penal Code}
If the value of the fixture or chattel exceeds one hundred shillings, the offender is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
What is housebreaking and burglary?
Housebreaking-this is when a person enters any building or vessel used for human dwelling and commits a felony during the day. {Section 304(1a) of the Penal Code}
Burglary-this is when a person enters any building or vessel used for human dwelling and commits a felony at night. {Section 304(2) of the Penal Code}
Burglary-this is when a person enters any building or vessel used for human dwelling and commits a felony at night. {Section 304(2) of the Penal Code}
What is the punishment for housebreaking and burglary?
- Housebreaking– an offender is guilty of a felony termed housebreaking and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. {Section 304(1b) of the Penal Code}
- Burglary– an offender is liable to imprisonment for ten years.{Section 304(2) of the Penal Code}
What is the liability for a person who enters a dwelling house with the intent to commit a felony?
An offender is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for five years.
However, if the offence is committed in the night, the offender is liable to imprisonment for seven years. {Section 305(1)(2) of the Penal Code}
However, if the offence is committed in the night, the offender is liable to imprisonment for seven years. {Section 305(1)(2) of the Penal Code}
What is the liability of a person who breaks into a building and commits a felony? {Section 306(a) (b) of the Penal Code}
Any person who breaks and enters a building is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
What is the punishment for Fortune telling “uchawi”?{Section 319 of the Penal Code}
Any person who for gain or reward undertakes to tell fortunes, or pretends from his skill or knowledge in any occult science to discover where or in what manner anything supposed to have been stolen or lost may be found, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is a demonstration?
A demonstration is an action by a mass group or collection of groups of people in favor of a political cause or other cause/ a protest against a cause of concern.E.g. protest due to the increase of the price of maize flour.
Are demonstrations allowed in Kenya? {Article 37 of the Constitution}
Yes, every person has a right to demonstrate, assemble and present petitions to public authorities in peace and unarmed as enshrined under the Constitution
What are unlawful assemblies? {Section 78(1) of the Penal Code}
When three or more persons assemble with intent to commit an offence, or, being assembled with intent to carry out some common purpose, conduct themselves in such a manner as to cause persons in the neighborhood reasonably to fear that the persons so assembled will commit a breach of the peace, or will by such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion provoke other persons to commit a breach of peace.
N.B:// It is immaterial that the original assembling was lawful if, being assembled, they conduct themselves with a common purpose in such a manner as aforesaid.
What is the punishment of an unlawful assembly? {Section 79 of the Penal Code}
Any person who takes part in an unlawful assemblyis guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.
What is a riot? {Section 78(3) of the Penal Code}
When an unlawful assembly has begun to execute the purpose for which it assembled by a breach of the peace and to the terror of the public, the assembly is called a riot.
What is the punishment of a riot? {Section 80 of the Penal Code}
Any person who takes part in a riot is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What happens when rioters refuse to disperse? {Section 84 of the Penal Code}
Any police officer, or any other person acting in aid of such person or police officer, may do all things necessary to disperse the persons so continuing assembled or apprehend them and, if any person makes resistance, may use reasonable force for overcoming such resistance.
– Exceeding speed limit prescribed for the class of vehicle by 16 – 20 Kph
Fine: KES 2,000
– Kshs 500
– Kshs 3,000
– Kshs 6,000
– Kshs 10,000
What happens to a police officer who causes harm or death to one of the rioters during dispersal? {Section 82 of the Penal Code
Such a police officer has no criminal or civil liability for causing harm or death to any person.
What is the criminal liability or punishment of rioters who refuse to disperse? {Section 83 of the Penal Code}
Every person who continues to take part in a riot or assembly after been asked to disperse is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the punishment of rioters who unlawfully pull down or begin to destroy any building, railway, machinery or structures? {Section 85 of the Penal Code}
They are guilty of a felony and each of them is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the punishment of rioters who damage any building, railway, machinery or structures? {Section 86 of the Penal Code}
They are guilty of a felony and each of them is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
What is Manslaughter? {Section 202 of the Penal Code}
This is when a person without malice aforethought causes the death of another person by an unlawful act or omission.
What is the punishment for manslaughter? {Section 205 of the Penal Code}
Any person who commits the felony of manslaughter is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is Murder? {Section 203 of the Penal Code}
It is when a person with malice aforethought causes the death of another person by an unlawful act or omission.
What is the punishment for murder? {Section 204 of the Penal Code}
Any person convicted of murder shall be sentenced to death.
What is an attempt to murder? {Section 220 of the Penal Code}
This is when a person unlawfully attempts to cause the death of another; or with intent unlawfully does any act, or omits to do any act which is his duty that might likely endanger human life.
What is the liability for an attempt to murder? {Section 220 of the Penal Code}
Any person who attempts to murder another person is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the punishment for an attempt to murder by a convict? {Section 221 of the Penal Code}
Any person who, being under a sentence of imprisonment for three years or more, attempts to commit murder is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the liability of an accessory after the fact to murder? {Section 222 of the Penal Code}
Any person who becomes an accessory after the fact to murder is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the Punishment given to a person who threatens to kill another person? {Section 223(1) of the Penal Code}
Any person who without lawful excuse utters, or directly or indirectly causes any person to receive, a threat, whether in writing or not, to kill any person is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for ten years
What is the Punishment for aiding suicide? {Section 225(a)-(c) of the Penal Code}
Any person who procures another to kill himself, counselsanother to kill himself or aids another in killing himself, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life
What is the Punishment for attempting to commit suicide? {Section 226 of the Penal Code}
Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is the Punishment for concealing Birth? {Section 227 of the Penal Code}
Any person who, when a woman is delivered of a child, secretly disposes of the dead body of the child in order to conceal the birth, whether the child died before, at or after its birth, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
What is the punishment for killing an unborn child? {Section 228 of the Penal Code}
Any person who, when a woman is about to be delivered of a child, prevents the child from being born alive by any act or omission of such a nature that, if the child had been born alive and had then died, he would be deemed to have unlawfully killed the child, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is arson? {Section 332(a)-(d) of the Penal Code}
This is an offence committed when a person willfully and unlawfully sets a fire to;
• Any building or structure whatever, whether completed or not.
• Any vessel, whether completed or not.
• Any stack of cultivated vegetable produce, or of mineral or vegetable fuel.
• A mine, or the workings, fittings or appliances of a mine.
• Any building or structure whatever, whether completed or not.
• Any vessel, whether completed or not.
• Any stack of cultivated vegetable produce, or of mineral or vegetable fuel.
• A mine, or the workings, fittings or appliances of a mine.
What is the punishment for Arson? {Section 332(d) of the Penal Code}
Any offender who willfully and unlawfully sets a fire is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
What is the punishment for an attempt to commit arson? {Section 333(b) of the Penal Code}
An offender is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
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