- A viral clip showed wildebeests struggling to cross the Mara River, allegedly blocked by a developer tied to State House
- Camp workers were seen pushing the animals back, sparking outrage and criticism from conservationists and the public
- TUKO.co.ke later confirmed the footage was from 2020, when then Tourism CS Najib Balala urged Narok governor Samuel Tunai to remove the camp
Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
A clip has gone viral showing migratory wildebeests having difficulty in their routine path across the Mara River.
The video’s purveyors alleged that the animals’ route had been barricaded by a developer said to have ties to State House.
It was accompanied by a political narrative suggesting that a powerful figure in the current regime had leveraged proximity to power to grab land in the Mara and erect a commercial development.
The wildebeests are seen moving smoothly along their route until they encounter a barrier inside a thicket.
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Despite the obstruction, individuals believed to be camp workers were spotted pushing the animals back, forcing them to return to the river in large numbers.
Those filming the clip disapproved of the events, criticising the workers for turning the animals away.
TUKO.co.ke later established that the footage was recorded in 2020, contrary to the narrative it reignited.
The clip drew a reaction in September 2020 from then Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, who condemned the development along the wildebeests’ migration path.
Balala engaged the then Narok governor, Samuel Tunai, urging him to intervene and have the camp removed to clear the way for the migratory animals.
“I have discussed with Narok County Governor Samuel Tunai about the camp built beside the Mara River, blocking the wildebeest crossing. It’s very disturbing, and we expect the governor to take action and have the camp removed!”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
