By KIPCHUMBA KEMEI
Controversy surrounding the running of Keekorok Lodge in Masai Mara deepened after a special council meeting to discuss the issue ended in disarray.
Narok civic leaders disagreed over which company would run the famous lodge.
Wilderness Lodges has run the establishment since 2004 but has now been taken over by Wildlife Lodges Ltd, sparking protests from a section of councillors who claim the change was irregular.
The meeting at the council hall called by Town Clerk Gabriel Kenaiya ended shortly after chairman Solomon Moriaso called for a councillor to propose and another to second the debate.
"After the prayers we expected the debate to continue but shortly after it was seconded the chairman called for closing prayers and left the hall, throwing it into confusion," said Siyapei Ward Councilor Rimoine Togom. Some councillors, however, stayed behind after the chairman left and angrily debated on the issue. But they could not agree on the next course of action.
The five-star lodge located inside the park has been at the centre of a protracted ownership tussle between tycoons Kamlesh Patni and Ketan Somaia.
