Audio By Carbonatix
At least seven people were injured on Monday in clashes between Kenyan police and protesters from the Maasai ethnic group who accuse a local governor of corrupt handling of tourism funds from the Maasai Mara game reserve, the Kenya Red Cross said.
Kenya television said at least one person was killed during the violence, in which witnesses said police used teargas and fired shots as thousands of Maasais clad in traditional red cloaks marched to the governor's office.
Police had no immediate comment on the report and the Red Cross did not report any deaths.
At the gates of Governor Samuel Tunai's office in Narok town, the administrative center of the sprawling Maasai Mara game park, demonstrators chanted: "Tunai must go." Some hurled rocks.
Visitors to the Maasai Mara, one of Africa's biggest tourist draws, pay $80 per day to roam an area full of wildlife such as lions, rhinos and giraffes.
Upmarket lodges and luxury tented camps can charge hundreds of dollars per person per day for the experience, although a spate of militant attacks in Kenya as well as the Ebola epidemic on the other side of Africa have scared off many tourists.
The dispute began when Tunai's administration contracted a company to collect Maasai Mara park entry fees, a deal the locals say was suspect.
"(Tunai) cannot account for billions of shillings from all financial sources including the Mara. He should be held to account,” said Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, who was among the protesters.
Kenya's Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery on Sunday banned all rallies and demonstrations amid fears of violence in Narok, where residents often complain about high unemployment and the poor state of roads and schools.
Nkaissery said the office of the Auditor-General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have been sent to Narok to investigate graft claims which Tunai has denied.
Local government finance has come under increased scrutiny from Kenyans since a newly devolved system was introduced in 2013 under which local governments receive about 43 percent of the national budget directly and are responsible for raising their own additional revenues.
Devolution was designed to spread wealth and help local communities benefit from revenue earned in their areas but analysts say corruption and other issues that have blighted national politics have now also spread to local bodies.
Latest Stories
-
Final day of Joy FM Back-to-School Fair: Come shop, save and prepare for the new school year
18 minutes -
GSE showed strong performance in August 2026 despite recording more stock losses
2 hours -
If CJ needs ethics law to know SOE comments were wrong, he may not be worthy of office – Arthur Kennedy
3 hours -
Stop touring state agencies and focus on the Judiciary’s problems – Arthur Kennedy to CJ
3 hours -
Apologise and don’t do it again – Arthur Kennedy to Chief Justice over SOE comments
3 hours -
Chief Justice remains committed to judicial independence, justice and equality – Judicial Service
4 hours -
Ghana concludes evacuation of citizens from South Africa; total returnees reach 1,900 – Ablakwa
4 hours -
Africa must define its own green transition path – Prof Fatima Denton
5 hours -
WASSCE 2026: English Language performance falls to 62.4% – WAEC
5 hours -
WASSCE 2026: Social Studies records sharp rebound as Maths, Science also improve
5 hours -
2026 WASSCE entry rises by 11% as 512,862 candidates sit exams
5 hours -
WASSCE 2026: English Language performance falls to 62.4% – WAEC
6 hours -
WAEC cancels 2026 WASSCE results of 8,295 candidates over examination irregularities
6 hours -
WAEC releases provisional 2026 WASSCE results for 512,862 candidates
6 hours -
CJ’s remarks on SOEs were made in good faith, not to undermine judicial independence – Judicial Service
9 hours