The Environment and Land Court in Meru on Tuesday temporarily halted the proposed construction of a State Lodge, airstrip and related developments within Imenti Forest after issuing conservatory orders preserving the status quo.
In the case, Mugambi Imanyara, Charles Mutuma Mbogori and three others moved to court challenging the construction of an air strip and state lodge in Imenti forest. In his ruling, Justice Oguttu Mboya temporarily stopped any activities connected to the intended project pending the hearing of the application and the petition.
The petitioners had asked court to stop what they described as plans to excise and develop portions of Imenti Forest for the construction of a State Lodge, airstrip, golf course and related facilities.
They further sought orders restraining the respondents from excising, allocating, surveying, leasing, licensing, clearing, constructing on, developing or otherwise interfering with any part of Imenti Forest for purposes of establishing the proposed facilities. They also asked the court to suspend any approvals, permits, licences, procurement processes, agreements and development plans associated with the project.
The respondents have been directed to file and serve their responses within five days of service, while the matter has been scheduled for mention on June 30, 2026 for directions on the expedited hearing and determination of the case.
