Narok Senator Ledama OleKina has dismissed recent media reports about the state of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, calling them "jealous and lazy" and questioning their accuracy.
On Wednesday, December 10, The Standard newspaper reported that the Maasai Mara National Reserve is facing its most serious challenges in decades.
The newspaper pointed out land grabbing by influential individuals, poisoned wildlife, blocked migration corridors and conflicts between communities and influential stakeholders as threats slowly affecting the park.
"Predators are being killed, habitats carved up, and communities pushed into violent protests as powerful individuals move to seize chunks of land at the heart of the reserves," the Standard reported.
According to the report, over 50 percent of facilities built within 30 meters of riparian land contribute to environmental destruction, and more than 55 percent of tourist facilities in the reserve lacked proper ecological impact assessments. The county government of Narok also reportedly collected over KSh4 billion in park fees in 2023.
Responding to the report, OleKina said the park could not be destroyed and accused the media of exaggerating the situation. He emphasised that the Maasai Mara remains resilient despite challenges.
"No matter how hard you try, you'll never tear down the Maasai Mara. Stop your jealous, lazy reporting; we see through your nonsense," OleKina stated.
On November 22, 2025, a video circulated online showing wildebeest appearing to turn back during their annual migration as if a new safari lodge in the park had blocked their path.
In the footage, dozens of wildebeest were seen hesitating at what looked like a human-made barrier, while some retreated back.
The social media video reignited criticism from conservationists and local leaders who argued that the lodge disrupted a vital corridor used by the migrating wildebeest between the Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti.
In a quick response, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), in a statement on Thursday, November 27, described the claims as misleading, clarifying that the Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp, which came under a lot of criticism in recent days, sits within a designated low-use tourism investment zone, as outlined in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan (2023–2032).
The agency further reiterated that the wildebeest migration, being one of the most globally celebrated natural phenomena, was accorded the highest form of protection by the government.
