Kenya’s high court has instructed four local media stations belonging to Standard Group, Nation Media Group and Royal Media Group to stop airing an advert that warns users of buying GOtv and Startimes decoders.

In the advert, the stations claim that the pay TV companies have been airing their free to air stations illegally without their consent and that viewers will have to purchase set top boxes to access the stations.

“A temporary injunction has been issued for 14 days restraining the defendants whether by themselves or by their directors, servants, agents, or any persons whatsoever acting under their instructions and directions, from airing or publishing information to the effect that the plaintiff is carrying the defendants’ content without their consent,” part of the ruling read.

The high court also set February 2 as the hearing date for the case.

Meanwhile, GOtv says it will continue to air the free to air stations as part of its obligations to ensure consumers have access to information.