Fence Neighbors: Uhuru and Ruto Share Boundary in Transmara But Keep Distance

In the quiet, scenic hills of Transmara in Narok County, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto share a direct property boundary, living as fence neighbors in the same village while maintaining a strict personal distance.

Uhuru was the first to settle in the area, establishing his private retreat at Ololmoongi Farm in October 2022, just weeks after handing over power. Situated along the Siria Escarpment with views overlooking the Maasai Mara, the property functions as a private country home and a tourism lodge managed under Heritage East Africa Safaris.

In 2023, President Ruto expanded his rural land holdings by establishing himself at the historic 900-acre Intona Farm in Kilgoris, a property previously associated with former Vice President Joseph Murumbi. Ruto turned the vast tract of land into a high-scale agricultural enterprise focusing on crop farming, livestock production, and a private residential home.

Today, the two top politicians own adjacent pieces of land within the same administrative ward. While rural tradition across Kenya normally sees neighbors walking across fence lines to share greetings, local residents and security officers confirm that the two leaders have never visited each other’s homes since moving to the area.

The silent boundary became even more noticeable when President Ruto hosted former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his Intona Farm home for political discussions. Even though Uhuru was staying at his Ololmoongi residence just across the fence line on that same day, no meeting or courtesy call took place between the former political partners.

The Transmara setup shows how political differences can persist even in retirement and rural living. While the presence of both leaders has brought increased security, improved roads, and higher property values to Kilgoris, their shared fence line remains a quiet symbol of the distance between two men who once ran the country together.