A judge in Bungoma has issued orders stopping the government from demolishing houses and shops to pave the way for the expansion of the Masinde Muliro Stadium.
The stadium will host this year's Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 and works are expected to be completed by the end of April.
But the Environment and Land Court in Bungoma on Monday issued an order temporarily halting demolitions that were planned to create room for stadium expansion.
The orders follow a petition filed by Patrick Wangamati and Wangamati Estate, who sought to protect properties near the stadium.
Justice Enock Cherono issued conservatory orders to prevent any agency from carrying out the demolitions.
"We hereby issue conservatory orders restraining the respondents from demolishing the petitioner's property," he said.
The respondents, who include the governor, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Lands executive and the county attorney, were given a 14-day window to respond to the court.
Wangamati Estate claims rightful ownership of the properties marked for demolition.
The company says it acquired the rights through a lease certificate application in mid-1960’s, solidifying its legal ownership.
Earlier, several property owners near Masinde Muliro Stadium received eviction notices, giving them seven days to vacate the premises.
The conservatory orders have temporarily protected them.
The impending demolitions will affect livelihoods of more than 500 residents.
