President William Ruto has called for calm after rival factions of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) clashed during the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok County. The incident occurred as supporters of Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and MP James Tongoyo confronted each other, escalating tensions during the event. Ruto addressed the situation during a church service in Narok on Sunday, November 15, 2026, urging both leaders to restore order and prevent further unrest.
The clash reportedly began over disputes between the two political figures, with their supporters engaging in verbal and physical altercations. Local authorities have been informed of the incident, and efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. Ruto’s intervention comes amid growing political rivalry within the UDA, which has been a recurring issue in the region. The Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival, intended to promote local heritage and tourism, has instead become a flashpoint for political tensions.
This is not the first time political tensions have disrupted the festival. Previous incidents have seen similar clashes between UDA factions, raising concerns about the impact on community cohesion. The current situation highlights the challenges of managing political dynamics during public events. Ruto’s public appeal underscores the need for restraint, but the underlying political divisions remain unresolved. The outcome of this incident could influence the trajectory of political relations in Narok County.
