Tensions have escalated in Narok as residents took to the disputed Olkiombo land in protest following a court ruling that granted ownership to Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu’s brother, Livingstone Ntutu.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, March 6, by the Lands Court in ELC Case No. 21 of 2021, awarded 4,000 acres of land—previously claimed as community land—to Livingstone Ntutu.
However, the decision sparked outrage among local residents, who stormed the land the following day to express their dissatisfaction.
Protests Turn Chaotic as Residents Set Structures on Fire
On Friday, March 7, angry Maasai community members invaded the land, burning down structures in an act of defiance against the ruling.
A video seen by Newshub.co.ke showed protesters pouring into the disputed land, chanting and demonstrating their commitment to reclaiming what they believe is rightfully theirs.
During the protest, hundreds of Maasai residents gathered at the site and performed a symbolic ritual—plucking grass and throwing it into the air.
This traditional act is said to represent an oath in their culture, signifying unity and resistance. Reports also indicated that several buildings within the contested land were set ablaze during the demonstrations.
As of now, authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation. However, tension remains high in the region, with the community adamant that they will not accept the ruling.
MP Gabriel Tongoyo Condemns Ruling, Calls It an Injustice
Reacting to the court’s decision, Narok West Member of Parliament Gabriel Tongoyo strongly opposed the ruling, calling it a major injustice against the Maasai community.
He argued that the people had fought for years to retain the land and would not back down despite the court’s decision.
“While we respect the legal process, we completely disagree with this ruling. This is an outright theft of community land, disguised as a legal process. We condemn this injustice in the strongest terms possible,” Tongoyo stated.
The MP further warned that the Maasai community would not accept the court’s decision and vowed to continue the fight.
“This battle is far from over! The Maasai people will not sit back and watch their ancestral land taken away from them. Justice must prevail, and we will ensure it does,” he added.
Tongoyo also criticized Governor Ntutu, accusing him of failing to protect the rights and history of the Maa people. He claimed that past county leaders had always defended Olkiombo as community land, but the current administration was betraying the people’s trust.
Governor Ntutu Responds, Clarifies Family’s Position
Amid the growing tension, Governor Patrick Ntutu responded to the controversy, clarifying that the land dispute was a personal legal matter involving his brother and not a family issue.
“It is important to make it clear that this case is between Livingstone and the county government. It is not a dispute involving our entire family. This is strictly an individual claim by Livingstone over the contested land,” the governor explained.
To address the situation, Governor Ntutu stated that he had directed Narok County’s legal team to carefully review the court ruling and provide guidance on the next steps.
County Government Appeals Court Ruling
Following the backlash from the community, the Narok County Government acted swiftly by filing an appeal against the ruling on Friday, March 7.
A notice of appeal read:
“Take notice that the County Council of Narok, acting as the first appellant herein, being dissatisfied with the judgment of Honorable Charles Mbogo delivered on March 6, intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the entire judgment.”
As the legal battle continues, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with residents determined to resist what they see as an unfair land allocation.
The coming days will likely determine whether the ruling will be upheld or overturned, but for now, the fight over Olkiombo land is far from over.
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