Narok leaders, civil society claim victory after Olkiombo Ranch ruling
Rift Valley
By
George Sayagie
| May 13, 2026
A historic Court of Appeal ruling that affirmed public ownership of Olkiombo Ranch within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve has ignited a fresh political tussle in Narok County.
A coalition of elected officials and civil rights organisations has come forward to take credit for what they describe as a landmark legal victory.
The decision, issued on 8 May 2026 in Nakuru in the case between the County Government of Narok and Livingstone Kunini & 2 Others, overturned a 2025 Environment and Land Court verdict that had granted ownership of the 4,700-acre estate to businessman Kunini.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu at a past event. [File, Standard]
Kunini is related to Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, MP Kitilai Ntutu, and former Narok Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu — a detail that previously intensified public suspicion and protests over the alleged irregular allocation of what is known as CIS MARA/TALEK 155.
READ MORE
Why you could start paying less for electricity
Mwalimu Sacco eyes informal sector financing with KNCCI pact
Africa's skills crisis blocking development capital, PMI warns ahead of summit
Future of art, technology and Kenya's creative economy in job creation
Tala strengthens customer ID checks to protect borrowers from fraud
Government opens up power sector to competition, reduces KPLC monopoly
Summit billions, little relief: economist questions Africa Forward gains
Insurance penetration slips as firms target underserved groups
Kenya's trade deficit widens to Sh1.6tr on raised maize imports
How startups are using tech to solve farmers' biggest challenges
But even as the legal dust settles, a parallel political battle has erupted over credit for the outcome.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who is seeking to unseat Governor Ntutu in 2027, was among the first leaders to welcome the judgement, describing it as a victory for the people of Narok and a vindication of long-standing resistance to the privatisation of Maasai Mara land.
The Legislator celebrated the decision, insisting that Olkiombo Ranch “rightfully belongs to the community.” Taking credit for his own efforts to lobby parliament, use the community CBO, and present the case to the Ministry of Land for the land to be returned.
“The people of Narok have spoken through civic action, political engagement, and legal channels,” Tongoyo said, adding, “This judgement confirms that public land cannot be taken away irregularly or without accountability.”
He further argued that the Court of Appeal had effectively corrected what he described as a flawed High Court decision delivered in early 2025.
At the grassroots level, the Resolute Community-Based Organisation (ResoluteRise CBO), together with Maasai elders and residents, also welcomed the ruling, while asserting their role in sustaining the long legal and civic struggle.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a leader of the CBO led by Domnic Kasoe said the judgment represented a long-awaited correction of historical injustice.
“This is not just a legal victory; it is justice for a community that has fought for decades to protect its land and heritage,” the leader said.
“We have always maintained that Olkiombo belongs to the people, and today the court has confirmed it and its organisation that fought this Legal battle, not the county government," said Kasoe.
The organisation noted that it played a key role in maintaining legal pressure during critical stages of the dispute, including filing applications for stay orders and supporting civic mobilisation efforts after the 2025 judgement.
Community elders, among them the Jubilee party Secretary General, Moitalel Ole Kenta and activists have also credited sustained grassroots advocacy for keeping the case alive during periods when implementation of the earlier judgment appeared imminent.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu equally welcomed the judgment, terming it a win for the people of Narok County.
He praised his legal team, led by the County Attorney and SC Paul Muite, for the legal victory.
He further claimed that the Narok County Government played a central role in the outcome, saying its legal team spearheaded the appeal and defended public land interests throughout the proceedings.
Narok County Attorney, in his social media handles, welcomed the judgement, describing it as a strong affirmation of the county’s legal position in the long-running dispute over Olkiombo Ranch.