Bien-Aimé Baraza has sparked a national firestorm after branding a luxury forest lodge a “disgrace” to Kenya following a “humiliating” family encounter.
The musician, the lead singer of the legendary Afro-pop band Sauti Sol, has called for the “decolonisation” of Kenyan tourism after he and his family reportedly faced “second-class” treatment at the Rondo Retreat Centre in Kakamega.
The star, known to millions as Bien, took to Instagram on Wednesday January 7, 2025, to reveal why he staged a high-profile protest and walked out of the facility without spending a cent.
“The whole concept of rolling the red carpet for white folk and treating Kenyans like trash is played out,” a fuming Bien wrote.
“I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated.”
Bien
The singer’s wife, renowned choreographer and creative director Chiki Kuruka, shared a harrowing account of the visit, claiming the ordeal began before they even entered the grounds.
Despite calling in advance, Chiki says the family was initially blocked at the gate.
Once they reached the reception, the atmosphere reportedly turned chilly.
Chiki described a “dismissive” interaction where a staff member repeatedly ordered the global superstar to “just sit” in a manner the family found belittling.
“The receptionist looked at Bien and said, ‘Sit.’ Bien said, ‘I’m ok to stand, thanks.’ Again, he said, ‘Just sit.’ From there, it just got worse,” Chiki revealed.
The situation became so uncomfortable that Chiki’s mother—a lawyer—declared she was “not willing to spend any more money” at the establishment.
Facing a tidal wave of negative Google reviews and a social media “blackout” from angry fans, Rondo Retreat management was forced into a humiliating climbdown on Thursday January 8, 2025.
In a lengthy public apology, the lodge acknowledged that the visit ended in “distress” but firmly denied that racism was at play.
Instead, they blamed a “misunderstanding” over residency and citizenship rate policies—a controversial practice where foreigners and locals are charged different prices.
“Racism and discrimination have no place at Rondo Retreat Centre. It’s not in our DNA,” the statement read.
“To Bien and your family: we are truly sorry for the hurt this may have caused. We apologise… for falling a little short of the high standard of hospitality we strive to achieve.”
Rondo
The apology has done little to stem the tide of “review bombing” on Google, where the retreat’s rating has plummeted overnight.
The facility was even forced to turn off its social media comments as other Kenyans began sharing similar stories of “service prejudice.”
For Bien, the issue goes beyond one hotel. He warned that the “colonial” mindset in the hospitality industry remains a stain on the nation. “We need to take back our spaces,” he urged his followers.
While Rondo Retreat says it is now reviewing its reception protocols and staff training, the music icon has made it clear that the “disgraceful” treatment of local citizens will no longer be tolerated in silence.
By BiggestKaka