A section of Narok leaders have protested against the government's decision to construct an international airport on land allegedly linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Addressing residents of Narok West Constituency, the leaders, led by Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, stated that the airport should be built on public land and not private property.
Ng'eno, while opposing the construction of the airport, accused the former Head of State of allegedly proposing its construction on his land for personal gain.
He further alleged that a group of wealthy Kenyans were taking advantage of the region's lack of an airport by constructing temporary airstrips to attract tourists for their own benefit.
The legislator went on to urge Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu to intervene and ensure that the airport is built on public land so that the county can benefit through enhanced tourism.
"Uhuru Kenyatta was asked to construct an airport here in Narok to facilitate tourist arrivals, but he took the airport to Kilgoris on his private land. We cannot build an airport on someone's land so that he can smuggle gold and ivory," Ng'eno claimed.
"Please, Governor, if the airport is constructed here, ensure that all planes do not land in the Maasai Mara. Why should planes land in the Maasai Mara? Close all the airstrips so that our children can get jobs," he added.
While commenting on the matter, Governor Ole Ntutu assured the residents that he had already contacted President William Ruto about the construction of the airport and that the Head of State responded positively.
Ntutu noted that, contrary to earlier plans, the airport would be relocated to public land for the benefit of county residents. He further called on the locals to support President Ruto during his development tour of the region.
"We do not want to witness any other kind of politics. The type of politics we want to see here is development-oriented. If someone wants to engage in politics, they should wait until 2027," Ntutu said.
The construction of the international airport is set to be officially launched by President Ruto at the end of this month in Narok during his development tour.
Ruto is scheduled to conduct the development tour between April 28 and April 29. He is expected to launch the construction of the international airport to boost tourism in the Maasai Mara.
