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 Kipsigis Council of Elders member William Kettienya. He is among those who are opposed to the construction of Itare Dam. Photo/KNAA Nakuru court is awaiting Chief Justice David Maraga to give guidance before it proceeds with a case challenging the construction of Sh34 billion Itare Dam.Kipsigis elders are among the many communities who have petitioned the court to prevent construction, saying it will hurt the environment.Justice Dalmal Ohungo of the Land and Environment court told parties to the case that they are waiting for Maraga's direction.Kipsigis Council of Elders lawyer Gordon Ogola said that the issues raised are weighty and complex  that cannot be handled by one Judge."The sensitivity of public interest to this case is overwhelming for the court," Ogola said.Ogola said that over 10 million people will be affected if the dam is constructed.He said the court must interpret public participation and to what extent it is required in environmental matters. It will also interpret the Water Act of 2016.Elders also argued that the construction does not comply with international water convention on climate change.But the defense lawyer Bernard Akungo representing Rift Valley Water Services Board urged the court to proceed with the case."Courts decides matters based on law and facts. We are ready for it," Akungo said.