The Narok County government has dismissed reports alleging that international tourists staying at a lodge in the Maasai Mara National Reserve were unlawfully detained.
In a statement on April 23, 2026, the County dismissed the widely circulated claims made by MGM Muthu Hotels regarding recent disruptions at the lodge, saying they are false and misleading.
“The County Government of Narok categorically denies the false, inaccurate, and alarmist claims made by the hotel that international tourists staying at a lodge have been unlawfully denied the right to leave and that the management of the lodge have been denied access to the premises,” the statement read.
According to Narok County, the lodge company had attributed the incident to a property dispute.
However, it clarified that the disruption was not related to any such dispute, noting that the said lodge remains under the ownership of the Narok County Government.
In the statement, it was confirmed that the disruption of operations at the lodge was caused by a labour dispute between management and workers, which led to a strike.
The county revealed that the dispute was sparked by concerns raised by workers, including alleged staff harassment, management issues, working conditions, declining service standards and low morale.
The county noted that the deteriorating condition of the lodge also contributed to the unrest as it falls below standards stipulated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan 2023–2032.
It further dismissed claims that any guests were unlawfully restricted, stating that no local or international tourists have been prevented from entering or leaving the lodge.It added that all guests remain safe and are free to continue with their stay or leave in accordance with their travel plans.
The statement also dismissed reports that lodge management had been denied access to the premises, terming the allegations inaccurate.
