MERU, Kenya – The Environment and Land Court in Meru has certified as urgent an application seeking to cite senior government officials for contempt of court over the alleged continued destruction of Imenti Forest.
Justice Oguttu Mboya issued the directions on June 25 after receiving the contempt application.
Petition targets senior government officials
Petitioner Francis Awino filed the application against State Department for Forestry Permanent Secretary Gitonga Mugambi and Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko.
Awino accuses the two officials of disobeying court orders that Justice Mboya issued on June 10, 2026.
Dispute centers on Imenti forest development
The Imenti forest case stems from a proposal to clear parts of the forest for an airstrip, golf course, State Lodge and related infrastructure.
Environmental activists and local residents strongly oppose the project.
They argue that the proposed development could cause significant environmental damage.
Petitioner alleges deliberate disobedience
In his Notice of Motion, Awino accuses the two officials of deliberately ignoring the court orders and undermining the authority of the judiciary.
He states:
“THAT despite knowledge of the said orders, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, CBS, the current Permanent Secretary… and Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, Chief Conservator of Forests… have deliberately and willfully disobeyed the express Court Orders issued by the Honourable Justice Oguttu Mboya.”
Alleged activities inside Imenti forest
In his supporting affidavit, Awino claims that government officials continued activities that the court had prohibited.
He alleges that they:
- Allowed commercial contractors, heavy machinery and industrial workers to access the Kithoka section of Imenti Forest.
- Cut mature indigenous and exotic trees across an estimated 54 acres.
- Cleared undergrowth and forest vegetation to create space for an airstrip runway.
- Bulldozed, graded and levelled the forest floor.
- Surveyed and marked land for a proposed State Lodge and golf course.
Evidence presented to the court
Awino attached geotagged satellite images, ground photographs, videos and media reports to support his claims.
He argues that the evidence shows rapid clearing of the forest canopy since June 22.
He further states:
“Unless the contemnors are immediately summoned to answer for their actions, the authority and dignity of this Honourable Court shall be undermined… The continued and willful acts of disobedience are causing and/or threaten to cause irreparable prejudice to the Petitioner’s constitutional rights, public interest and adversely desecrate designated forest.”
Court gives further directions
Justice Mboya directed the petitioner to serve the application on the respondents within two days.
The judge also scheduled the matter for mention on June 29, 2026, to give further directions.
