A High Court in Machakos yesterday extended interim orders restraining Kenya African National Traders and Farmers Union from developing or selling part of the land at the centre of a dispute with the giant Mavoloni Company. Justice George Dulu extended the orders up to September 18 following an application by the Mavoloni Company lawyer JM Mutinda.

The Mavoloni company shareholders are contesting the sale of part of the company's land to the KANTAFU and others in a suit filed at the court. The orders also bars other individuals and companies who have bought or acquired the disputed land from selling or developing them until the suit filed by the plaintiff is heard and determined.

The other respondents in the case include the Commissioner of lands, Director of survey, Land registrar Thika, Attorney General and Longneck International. Others are Dominic Kamata Njogo, Hellen Nduta Kamata, Kenneth Karatu Kibunja, Elias Kimani, Teresia Nduku, Mama Suleiman, Yahya Mohamed Suleiman, Dominic Kikui and Standard Chartered Management Agents. Yesterday, the company's shareholders jammed the court to hear the application. The Judge said the court will give further direction on the case on September.