Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of misleading Kajiado County residents regarding the management of Amboseli National Park, stating the government never intended to hand it back to the local community.
Speaking at the Kajiado Youth Declaration event in Imaroro Ward on August 1, 2026, Kalonzo criticized the president for making promises about returning the park that have not been fulfilled. He questioned whether the residents had actually received control over Amboseli as promised.
“Ruto knew very well that he did not want to give Amboseli back to the people of Kajiado. He came and promised you Amboseli. Have you received it? Have you?” Kalonzo asked.
He further alleged that while President Ruto publicly pledged to return the park to Kajiado, officials were simultaneously pursuing legal actions to block the transfer.
“Behind the scenes, he was sending people to court to stop it. He had no intention of returning Amboseli National Park to the people of Kajiado. That is the truth,” Kalonzo asserted.
Ongoing Controversy Over Amboseli's Management
Amboseli National Park, a key wildlife tourism hub within Kajiado County, has long been at the center of debates over local community rights and benefit-sharing. The park supports a rich ecosystem, including over 2,000 elephants, but residents argue they have been marginalized despite their stewardship of the area.
Kalonzo pledged to champion the interests of local communities, strengthen devolution, and ensure counties receive a fairer share of resources generated within their boundaries. He also condemned leaders who make empty promises.
“For those who deceive and lead others like children, there is only one way; to hold them accountable,” he stated.
Recent Elephant Deaths Highlight Environmental Concerns
The debate has intensified following the recent death of 15 elephants near Amboseli. Preliminary tests by the Kenya Wildlife Service detected cyanide poisoning, raising alarms over expanding farming activities encroaching on the ecosystem.
Kalonzo called for unity among Kajiado residents and emphasized that local communities must have a central role in decisions affecting Amboseli and other natural resources in the county.
