Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina recently engaged in a contentious exchange with President William Ruto concerning the vast Kedong Ranch, which the President pledged to subdivide and return to the Maasai Community. This dispute revolves around the allocation of land and has sparked accusations of insincerity.
According to Senator Ledama, President Ruto’s commitment to allocate 10,000 acres of Kedong Ranch to the Maasai Community lacks credibility. Ledama argues that only 70,000 acres remain available for subdivision from the ranch after 4,000 acres were acquired by the Kitet community and another 1,000 acres were designated by the Jubilee Administration for the construction of a dry port. This situation contradicts the President’s promise during his visit to Narok County on September 30, where he vowed to set aside 10,000 acres for the Maasai Community.
Senator Ledama raised a valid question about the proof of this promise, suggesting that without evidence, the President’s commitment may be empty words, causing disappointment within the Maasai Community. Kedong Ranch holds immense significance for the Maasai people, and its ownership has been a contentious issue over the years, with previous administrations facing allegations of attempted land grabs.
It’s worth noting that earlier in the year, Kedong Ranch, along with Kenyatta Northlands farm, was targeted by intruders during a period of political instability in the country, further complicating the matter. During the lead-up to the 2022 elections, President Ruto made a commitment to return Kedong Ranch to the Maa Community, akin to the resolution of the Mau land issue, ensuring land ownership for locals while the government covers the expenses.
Furthermore, during President Ruto’s visit to Kajiado County in August, he announced the government’s intention to involve the Kajiado County government in the partial management of the Amboseli National Park. This move was accompanied by words of praise for the County’s capacity to oversee this valuable resource.
Residents of Suswa took action by encroaching on the 78,000-acre Kidong ranch, damaging barbed wire and mesh fences along the Narok-Maimahiu road. They asserted their right to reclaim what they believe is their ancestral land.
The ongoing dispute surrounding Kedong Ranch highlights the complexities of land allocation and ownership in Kenya, particularly concerning indigenous communities like the Maasai. The claims and counterclaims between Senator Ledama and President Ruto underscore the need for transparency and concrete actions to fulfill promises made to these communities regarding their ancestral lands.