From lion killers to lion saviours

Maasai warriors tracking lions through the bush. Photos: AFP

In the Maasai heartland of southern Kenya, some young men have swapped their ancestral role as lion-hunters to instead protect the big cats under a wildlife conservation scheme that also aims to help their community.

Among them is Leiyio Lengete, a “Moran” – or warrior – who wears a scarlet blanket over his shoulders, a blue one around his hips, and a multitude of fine multicoloured beaded bracelets on his forearms, ankles and neck.