The Kisumu Environment and Lands Court obtained an interim order preventing the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) from fencing off tracts of property belonging to the Karateng community in Kisumu County.
KRC had begun fencing off parcels of land near the railway line it claimed ownership of, causing residents to seek legal remedy.
The Karateng Community, represented by lawyer Kenneth Amondi, proceeded to court, claiming that over 200,000 residents face being evicted.
Kisumu Environment and Lands Court Judge Justice E. Asati declared the case urgent and ordered Kenya Railways to stop fencing off the land parcels immediately.
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Many nearby routes, including Lela-Aboge, Lela-Holo, Lela-Sunga, and Lela-Eluhobe, were closed due to the fence.
In addition, Justice Asati ordered KRC to stop reserving areas of land belonging to the Karateng community, particularly in the Marera area, pending a hearing and decision on the case.
Their lawyer, Amondi, informed the court that they had a survey study demonstrating that the KR activities are incorrect and threaten to deprive many people of land and access to their homes.
The case is scheduled to be heard on January 23, 2024.
