Conservancy manager attacked in Narok

Conflict near the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve between a community ranch and a wildlife conservancy over lease agreement turned nasty yesterday after a senior employee was shot.

The manager of Olarro Company William Justine was shot by unknown people and was treated at a local dispensary where a minor operation was conducted to remove the arrow from his left cheek.

Area OCPD Anthony Shimoli said Mr Justine was on his daily patrols within the ranch when he was shot.

“We received reports that a conservancy investor had been attacked. Officers toured the scene and confirmed that indeed he had been injured,” said OCPD Shimoli.

A section of the 2,000 members of Olarro Group ranch which owns the 30,000-acre conservancy claimed three years ago they were ‘duped’ into signing a 15-year lease with Olarro Company Limited - an investor who established a wildlife conservancy without properly-laid out clauses.

Irate locals led by former Siana MCA Henry Siololo and community activist Anthony Rinka said the community was on the verge of dissolving the conservancy should the lessee fail to bow to their demands.

Among the resident’s demands is amendment of the agreement to allow them access to Roble River. “We want to be allowed to elect a committee that will be address our issues with the conservancy,” said Mr Siololo.

Conservancy officials have demanded justice for the injured investor: “We have not stopped the community from accessing water, and have even drilled boreholes for them.

Politicians seem to be politicising this issue for mileage,” said Kinata Sururu, chairman Olarro Conservancy.