Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has been summoned to appear before the High Court on July 24, 2026, to answer contempt of court 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, Governor Lenku could face a jail term of up to six months.
The contempt application was filed by a rights activist, who accuses the governor of violating conservatory orders issued by the High Court on December 30, 2025, which halted the implementation of the transfer pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
Justice Gregory Mutai certified the application dated July 9, 2026, as urgent and directed that it be served on all respondents and interested parties within three working days. The court further ordered the respondents and interested parties to file and serve their responses within seven days of service.
The matter will be heard on July 24, 2026, at 10 a.m., with the parties allowed to file skeleton submissions by 5 p.m. on July 23, 2026.
In the meantime, the High Court has issued temporary restraining orders barring the Kajiado County Government, Governor Lenku, and any of the county’s servants, agents, employees or anyone acting on their behalf from entering, taking over, assuming control of, interfering with the operations or management of Amboseli National Park, or implementing the Deed of Transfer dated October 14, 2025.
Justice Mutai said the interim orders are intended to preserve the status quo and ensure compliance with the conservatory orders issued on December 30, 2025, until the contempt application is heard and determined.
