On Tuesday, Meitamei Olol Dapash of the Institute for Maasai Education, Research and Conservation (MERC) took legal action in a Kenyan court against Ritz-Carlton, its parent company Marriott (MAR.O), the local developer Lazizi Mara Limited, and Kenyan authorities in a bid to stop the planned launch of a new luxury camp.
Dapash claims in his lawsuit that the 20-suite property, featuring plunge pools and personalised butler service, blocks a vital migration route between Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Experts note that this migration is essential for wildebeest to access food sources and maintain genetic diversity within their herds.
The filing also argues that there is no proof an environmental impact assessment was carried out. Dapash’s legal team has requested the Environment and Land Court in Narok to halt the lodge’s opening and give the matter urgent consideration.
Marriott, which has a franchise deal with Lazizi, stated it is committed to protecting the environment and said Lazizi had secured all required approvals.
