COURT REJECTS BID TO WITHDRAW PETITION AGAINST RITZ-CARLTON MASAI MARA CAMP

Land Court has declined an application to withdraw a high-profile environmental petition against the establishment of the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp. 

In a ruling delivered yesterday, Justice Lucy Gacharu directed that the hearing proceed to a full conclusion. The petitioner, environmentalist Meitemei Olol Dapash, had sought to withdraw the lawsuit, stating that his primary concerns regarding the potential blockage of the critical wildebeest migratory corridor had been resolved through engagement with project stakeholders. 

The petition, filed in August 2025 against the Narok County Government and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), had challenged the camp’s environmental compliance and approval process.

In her ruling, Justice Gacharu said that the issues raised extend beyond private settlement to matters of public interest. “Given the nature of the concerns raised and the level of public interest generated, this Court will not allow the notice of withdrawal,” stated the Justice.

She noted that allegations involving the integrity of a key wildlife migratory route, environmental conservation, and sustainable development require a full judicial investigation and ruling.

The court has scheduled the hearing to continue, ensuring a transparent and lawful resolution to the questions of ecological impact and regulatory adherence. Dr. Dapash’s application for withdrawal, which included a request for no orders on legal costs, was subsequently dismissed.