County remains mum in face of fierce #BringBackBrian protests

In the past week, Nakuru’s key tourist attraction has been at the centre of a six-day protest following the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, who was allegedly forcibly arrested by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

Yet, the loud silence from the Nakuru County government, which actively promotes the region as a leading tourist destination, has been deafening.

In the county’s website Lake Nakuru National Park is mentioned as one of the major attractions in the county.

It goes on to describe how Lake Nakuru National Park hosts among other wildlife the big five; lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo.

Ironically, the county administration’s silence during the week-long protest and even when the park was set ablaze by agitated residents, specifically the department that so loudly advertises the park as a leading county tourism destination begs the question.

Why has the department responsible for promoting tourism not issued a statement or taken any action in the wake of such significant events that directly threaten the park’s reputation?

The absence of communication during such times only deepens concerns about the county's governance and accountability, particularly given the unresolved issues of illegal fishing in Lake Nakuru and the persistent murders and unaddressed shooting incidents involving youth over the past four years.

Furthermore, with the tourism industry being one of the pillars of the local economy, the county’s failure to address the damage to the park, as well as the violence and unrest that unfolded, sends a concerning message to both residents and visitors alike.