Athletes sue Nandi County Government over demolition of Kipchoge Keino Stadium
The athletes are challenging a decision by the Nandi County Government to replace the historic facility with an ultra-modern market and housing project.
A group of Kenyan athletes, including retired sprinter and middle-distance runner Tecla Sang, has moved to court to stop the planned demolition of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet.
The athletes are challenging a decision by the Nandi County Government to replace the historic facility with an ultra-modern market and housing project.
Through lawyer Kibe Mungai, the athletes argue that the plans are unlawful and unconstitutional, since they were overwhelmingly opposed during a public participation forum held in December 2024.
According to the petitioners, once residents expressed disapproval, the county government and assembly were bound to respect their views and abandon the project.
The petition, filed at the High Court in Eldoret, has been certified urgent by Justice Patrick Otieno, who directed the respondents to file responses.
Those named in the case include the County Government of Nandi, the County Assembly, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Housing, the National Land Commission, and the Attorney-General.
In their pleadings, the athletes describe Kipchoge Stadium as a national sports monument and a hallowed ground for athletics in the North Rift region.
"Demolishing or relocating it without public consent undermines the cultural and sporting heritage of both Nandi residents and Kenyans at large," they argue in court documents.
The petitioners include Chemabwai, Sammy Kiplagat, Fredrick Kiptanui, Fatwel Kimaiyo, Wilson Cheseret, Vivian Biwott, Fred Kipkemboi, Paul Koriri, Catherine Kirui, John Yego, and Bill (William) Koskei, among others.
Court documents reveal that the county assembly's committee on land, environment, and natural resources approved the change of use in January 2025, clearing the way for demolition.
The contested project is part of the Kapsabet Municipality Master Plan, which seeks to expand the town's central business district and align with national government housing initiatives.
However, the athletes maintain that the move goes against both public and national interests. They argue that the stadium is a cultural heritage site of the Nandi people and an important venue for sports, national celebrations, and cultural expression.
Built in the 1970s and upgraded in 2016 for Sh295.4 million, the facility was meant to promote sporting and social welfare. The petitioners further allege that the planned relocation to the showground land is driven by ulterior motives, including attempts to grab prime land in Kapsabet town under the guise of development.
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