KWS officials snub Maa leaders meeting at Amboseli National Park

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials snubbed a meeting held by political leaders from the Maa region at Amboseli National Park.

Reports indicate that neither its officials nor officers were present at the event. KWS is yet to officially pronounce itself on the issue.

The event was a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Park on Monday, where they sent messages of gratitude to President William Ruto for reverting the park to the county management.

This was days after President Ruto declared that he had reverted the park management to the County Government of Kajiado, during the Maa cultural week at Narok.

At the event, the leaders issued a stern warning to Non-Governmental Organizations opposing President William Ruto's directive to revert Amboseli National Park to county government.

The leaders say that the organizations risk being banned from operating within Maa counties.

According to the leaders, they were responding to a move by some organizations threatening to file a case in court to oppose the president's directive.

Governors Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), Patrick Ntuutu (Narok), and Lati Lelelit (Samburu) said they will also rally the Maa community on the best ways to address human-wildlife conflict to ensure easier and sustainable management of the park predominantly occupied by elephants.

"Reverting the Park is a step in addressing historical land injustices meted against the Maasai community. The county is willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of the park management." Lenku said.