Narok County Refutes Claims Tourists Were Detained at Maasai Mara Lodge

Narok County has dismissed allegations that international tourists were denied the right to leave a lodge within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, terming the claims as misleading.

In a statement issued Thursday, the County Secretary accused MGM Muthu Hotels of spreading false information regarding events at Muthu Keekorok Lodge. The county also rejected claims that the hotel’s management had been denied access to the premises.

According to the county government, the disruption at the lodge was primarily caused by a prolonged labour dispute between the hotel management and its employees, which culminated in a workers’ strike.

The statement indicated that the strike stemmed from grievances including alleged staff harassment, mismanagement, unsafe working conditions, declining service standards and low staff morale. It further noted that the deteriorating condition of the lodge—said to fall below standards outlined in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023–2034—had contributed to the standoff.

The county government assured that there were no security threats to tourists at the facility, adding that all guests were safe and free to continue with their stay or leave as scheduled.

“No tourist has been prevented from entering or exiting the lodge,” the statement said, adding that visitors were under the protection of county rangers led by the Chief Park Warden, in collaboration with the Tourism Police Unit.

Authorities also urged the lodge management to make alternative accommodation arrangements to minimise disruption to guests.

The county clarified that the situation was not related to any property dispute.

However, MGM Muthu Hotels had earlier issued a statement alleging that tourists at the lodge were being held against their will by regional enforcement officers, describing the situation as a violation of human rights and international law.

The hotel management claimed that affected guests included citizens from the United States, Europe, China and India, and called for intervention by the national government and the international community.

It further alleged that despite holding a long-term lease, it had been denied access to the property, accusing local authorities of unlawful actions.