President William Ruto addressed growing tensions between rival factions of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after supporters clashed during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok County. Speaking at a church service in Narok on Sunday, November 15, 2026, Ruto called for unity among supporters of Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and other local leaders. The intervention came after reports of violence and disorder during the festival, which was held at Maasai Mara’s Sekenani Gate.
Security forces were deployed to restore order as clashes broke out between supporters of different UDA factions. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with people fleeing the area as tensions escalated. Ruto was reportedly evacuated from the event as the situation worsened, though no injuries were reported. The festival, which aimed to promote cultural tourism, turned into a flashpoint for political rivalry.
The UDA, a key political party in Kenya, has seen internal divisions intensify in recent months. Ruto’s intervention marks a rare public stance on the issue, highlighting the growing influence of local politics on national events. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining stability in regions with strong political affiliations. The government has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but officials are expected to review security measures for future public events.
