Narok Governor, brother set for legal battle over disputed Maasai Mara land

The dispute pits Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu against his brother, Livingstone Kunini Ntutu, following a High Court ruling that dealt a blow to the county government, saying that the land belongs to Ntutu.

The court also barred the county from demanding or collecting any tariffs or revenue related to the use, occupation, or enjoyment of the leased land.  

"Take notice that the County Council of Narok, being dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice Charles Mbogo delivered at the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi on March 6, intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal of Kenya against the entire decision," reads court documents in part.  

The court further directed the county to refund Kunini all the money it had collected from the land since October 14, 1997.  

In his suit, Kunini argued that since the land was registered in his name in October 1997, all rights, interests, and privileges previously enjoyed by Narok County had legally transferred to him. 

He accused the county of unlawfully occupying and collecting revenue from the land despite multiple demands for them to stop.  

The case now sets the stage for a fierce legal battle between the two brothers, with millions of shillings in revenue at stake.

Narok County has said it will appeal the judgment.