Narok: The long-awaited judgment regarding the ownership of 4,720 acres of land within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve has been deferred to February 20, 2025. This decision involves a relative of Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and was initially scheduled to be delivered by Justice Charles Mbogo at the Narok Environment and Lands Court.
According to Kenya News Agency, the postponement was due to the late submission of documents by some parties in the case. Ian Wambua Mbithi, the advocate representing the County government and a member of the Okongo Omogeni and Advocates law firm, stated that submissions by the Attorney General were filed late, necessitating additional time for the court to review them.
Mbithi expressed a commitment to adhering to the court’s directions and acknowledged that such delays are not uncommon when parties fail to comply with court directives for various reasons. His clarification has eased tensions among residents near the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, who were anxiously awaiting the judgment due to its potential impact on their primary revenue source.
The contested land, registered as CIS MARA/TALEK 155, is a significant breeding ground for wildlife like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, making it an attractive tourist destination. It features several tented camps and the renowned Ol Kiombo lodge. The legal battle over this land began 25 years ago when the defunct town council administration challenged the ownership claimed by Livingstone Kunini Ntutu, a brother of the Narok Governor.
The case has navigated through various judicial levels, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. In 2018, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Magistrate David Maraga, redirected the matter back to the Environment and Lands Court to evaluate the constitutional and legal aspects of the title deed.
The Narok County Government, serving as the first and second appellant, seeks to revert the title deed, arguing that the land is unadjudicated trust land and should not have a title deed. Livingstone Kunini Ntutu is the first respondent, with Ol Kiombo Limited and the Attorney General as the second, third, and fourth respondents, respectively. The court’s decision will address whether the title deed was lawfully acquired or tainted with fraud and irregularities.