The Attorney General has asked the High Court in Meru to throw out a petition seeking to stop the planned development of an airstrip and other infrastructure within the Imenti Forest, arguing that the case lacks merit and should not delay projects the government says are in the public interest.
The legal challenge, filed by activist Francis Owino, contests proposals to establish an airstrip, golf course, State Lodge, bypass and related developments in the forest. Owino maintains that the planned projects pose a threat to the environment and could result in the degradation of protected forest land.
However, in court documents filed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, the government has opposed the application, insisting the petitioner has failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the orders sought. It argues that the petition does not demonstrate any breach of the Constitution or environmental legislation.
According to the respondents, the application falls short of the legal requirements needed for the court to issue conservatory orders suspending the developments while the matter is pending.
The Attorney General’s office further maintains that the proposed projects, particularly the airstrip, are intended to strengthen conservation efforts by improving access, management and protection of the Imenti Forest ecosystem, rather than threatening it.
