Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Case: Environmentalist withdraws petition as developer seeks penalties

In a surprise turn of events, Joel Meitemei Ololdapash, a Masai environmentalist who had filed a petition against the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp, has withdrawn his petition.

The matter before Justice Lucy Gicheru received the notice of withdrawal on Wednesday morning.

The 3rd respondent, Lazizi Mara Limited, has, however, asked the court to punish the petitioner for vilifying and dragging the respondent’s name in the court of public opinion for six months since the petition was filed.

The petition had raised concerns that the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp was constructed against the law and undermined indigenous communities.

Ololdapash wanted the camp removed on grounds that it was constructed on a key wildlife migration corridor, public participation did not occur, and that it was constructed at a time when a moratorium on the construction of lodges in the Masai Mara National Reserve was in effect.

His lawyers have told the court that the concerns, which were a fact-finding mission raised in the petition, have since been addressed sufficiently, and it would not be in good faith to proceed.

Lazizi Mara, through their lawyers, has, however, protested the request to withdraw the petition without consequences, saying the luxury resort had suffered negative publicity and wants the court to make a ruling that finds them either guilty or innocent of the concerns raised.

The Law Society of Kenya and the East African Wildlife Society had filed a motion to be enjoined as interested parties when the developments occurred.

Justice Lucy Gicheru will make a ruling tomorrow, Thursday, 18th, at 2:30 pm.