Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has been summoned to appear before the High Court on July 24, 2026, to respond to contempt proceedings over allegations that he disobeyed court orders suspending the transfer of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government. If found guilty of contempt of court, Governor Lenku could face a jail term of up to six months.
Activist Accuses Governor of Defying Court Orders
The contempt proceedings were initiated after a rights activist filed an application accusing the governor of violating conservatory orders issued by the High Court on December 30, 2025. The orders had temporarily stopped the implementation of the proposed transfer of Amboseli National Park pending further directions from the court.
Justice Gregory Mutai certified the application dated July 9, 2026, as urgent and directed that it be served to all respondents and interested parties within three working days. Those affected have been given seven days from the date of service to submit their responses.
Court Maintains Freeze on Amboseli Transfer
The High Court directed that the matter will be heard on July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with all parties allowed to file their written submissions by 5:00 p.m. on July 23, 2026. Pending the hearing and determination of the application, the court barred the Kajiado County Government, Governor Lenku, and anyone acting on their behalf from:
- Entering Amboseli National Park.
- Taking over or assuming control of the park.
- Interfering with its management and operations.
- Implementing the Deed of Transfer dated October 14, 2025.
The court said the temporary orders are meant to preserve the existing situation and ensure compliance with previous conservatory orders.
Legal Battle Over Amboseli Management Continues
The dispute comes amid a wider debate over the proposed transfer of management responsibilities for Amboseli National Park. The court’s latest directives mean that the county government must wait for further legal determination before making any changes to the park’s administration. Governor Lenku and other respondents will now have an opportunity to respond to the contempt allegations when the matter comes up for hearing.
