MERU, Kenya – The Environment and Land Court in Meru has certified as urgent an application seeking to cite senior government officials for contempt over the alleged continued destruction of Imenti Forest.
Justice Oguttu Mboya issued the directions on June 25 after receiving the 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.
Imenti forest development sparks dispute
The Imenti forest case arose after authorities proposed clearing parts of the forest for an airstrip, golf course, State Lodge and related infrastructure.
Environmental activists and local residents strongly oppose the project.
They warn that the development could cause serious environmental damage.
Alleged contempt of court
In his Notice of Motion, Awino accuses the two officials of deliberately ignoring the court orders.
He also claims they have undermined the authority of the judiciary.
Awino 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.”
Activities cited in the application
In his supporting affidavit, Awino claims the officials continued activities that violated the court orders.
He alleges that they:
- Allowed commercial contractors, heavy machinery and industrial workers to enter the Kithoka section of Imenti Forest.
- Cut mature indigenous and exotic trees across an estimated 54 acres.
- Cleared undergrowth and forest vegetation to create an airstrip corridor.
- Bulldozed, graded and levelled the forest floor for runway construction.
- Surveyed and marked land for a proposed State Lodge and golf course.
Evidence filed in court
Awino submitted geotagged satellite images, ground photographs, videos and media reports.
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 Sets Mention Date
Justice Mboya ordered Awino 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.
