Kenyan Activist Withdraws Lawsuit Over Maasai Mara Lodge

Kenyan environmentalist Meitamei Olol Dapash withdrew his lawsuit against the Ritz-Carlton safari lodge in Maasai Mara, which he claimed obstructed a key wildebeest migration path. The withdrawal notice gave no reasons, but reports suggest his concerns were addressed. The lodge faced scrutiny for impacting migration crucial for ecological balance.

A Kenyan environmentalist has stepped back from his legal battle against the establishment of a Ritz-Carlton safari lodge in the Maasai Mara. Meitamei Olol Dapash filed to withdraw the lawsuit, initially intended to stop the lodge's opening, citing concerns over its impact on a wildebeest migration corridor.

Filed in August, the suit argued that the luxury camp, featuring plunge pools and personalized butler services, could obstruct the vital migration path linking Maasai Mara and Serengeti in Tanzania. Such corridors are essential for providing food to the wildebeests and preserving genetic diversity among the herds.

While Dapash has not commented on the withdrawal, statements suggest his concerns may have been adequately addressed. Meanwhile, Kenya Wildlife Service has dismissed claims that the lodge disrupts the migration. The case's withdrawal leaves questions about development impacts in sensitive ecological zones.

(With inputs from agencies.)