The Kisumu County Government has been ordered to pay an investor Sh7.4 billion over the demolition of business stalls in Kisumu in 2021.
High Court Judge Joe Omido issued the order after the investor, through his company Spacebuster, successfully sued the county over the demolitions.
Spacebuster filed the case in 2022 seeking compensation for the losses suffered after its business stalls were brought down by the Kisumu city management.
Although the company won the case, the county did not make the required payment. Spacebuster later obtained a Certificate of Order against the county government to facilitate enforcement of the judgment.
In the latest ruling, Justice Omido directed the county's responsible accounting officers to pay the full amount, together with interest, within 180 days.
The county, through Finance CEC George Okong'o Omondi, had opposed the application, arguing that the amount was too large to be settled from the existing budget.
The court rejected the argument, saying allowing a government officer to decide whether a court judgment was affordable or convenient would undermine the rule of law.
Justice Omido clarified that the 180-day period was meant to give the county time to make the necessary lawful financial arrangements. He said the period did not suspend or change the original judgment.
The judge warned that failure to comply could lead to further legal action against the responsible officers.
Spacebuster may apply for consequential orders, including contempt proceedings against the officers personally, if the payment is not made within the set period.
