High Court suspends orders blocking UDA from using Nyayo Stadium for final rally

The High Court has suspended orders by Sports Kenya that blocked the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party from accessing Nyayo Stadium for their final rally.

The Court issued the orders on Thursday after the Deputy President William Ruto-led party moved to court to challenge the directive that barred them from holding a public rally on Saturday, August 6 ahead of the General Election on August 9.

“I have considered the grounds stated on the face of the Certificate of Urgency and on the Chamber Summons both dated 1 August 2022. I have also considered the facts deponed in the certificate sworn by Veronica Maina and filed in support of the motion of even date…” reads the court order dated August 2.

“... an interim order is granted suspending the implementation by the defendant/respondent by itself, its servants, employees, agents, successors, assignees or anyone acting or claiming through or under the defendant/ defendant of the decision contained in the letter dated 20th July 2022 withdrawing the availability of the suit premises to the applicant on 6th July 2022 pending the inter partes hearing of the aforesaid motion.”

Sports Kenya had denied UDA access to the Kasarani and Nyayo National stadiums on grounds that the stadiums had already been booked and scheduled for use between August 5 and 7.

"We regret to inform you that due to peace concerts scheduled to take place at both Moi International Sports Centre-Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium between 5th to 7th, the facility will not be available for your use," read a July 21 statement to the party. 

The rival Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party had earlier announced that they will be holding a final campaign "mega rally" at the Nyayo Stadium on August 6, the same day UDA was seeking to use the facility.

Azimio has since announced that they will be holding their final rally at the Kasarani International Sports Complex on Saturday.