Chiki Kuruka has gone public with a scathing account of what she calls a “disgusting” experience at Rondo Retreat Centre in Kakamega County, accusing the popular getaway of discrimination and cold treatment during a family visit.
The outspoken creative, who was accompanied by her husband Bien Aime Baraza, her mother and sister, took to Instagram in fury after the incident, saying the experience left her deeply hurt—especially because it happened in her home region.
“I have never had an experience as disgusting as Rondo Retreat,” she wrote.
“To disrespect Bien and I in our home county with my mum and sister, when we spend our entire career raising awareness for Western Kenya, is so disappointing.”
She didn’t stop there. Kuruka went on to question the retreat’s values, accusing it of favouring foreign guests over locals.
“To call yourself a Christian on top of that is insane. If you only want white guests, please say that on your website.”
“We Just Wanted a Walk”
Speaking to Mpasho, Kuruka claimed the drama began the moment they arrived. According to her, the family was initially blocked from entering the property and later met with a frosty reception.
“We weren’t even trying to stay there,” she explained. “We were asking for a walk, not accommodation. We never once asked for rooms—we wanted a nature trail.”
She further alleged that she was spoken down to and dismissed when she explained she was a Kenyan resident.
“I told him I’m a resident, and he said, ‘No, let me explain to you who a resident is,’” she said. “I’ve lived here for eleven years. I know exactly who a resident is.”
Kuruka claims the situation escalated until Bien stepped in, after which the family chose to leave. She also alleged that after sharing their experience online, Rondo Retreat deleted their comments and disabled further engagement.
Bien Walks Out in Protest
Bien Aime Baraza also didn’t hold back. The Sauti Sol singer blasted the retreat on social media, calling out what he described as colonial-era thinking.
“Rondo Retreat is a disgrace to Kakamega County,” he wrote.
“We need to decolonize our spaces. Rolling out the red carpet for white folks while treating Kenyans like trash is tired. I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated.”
Rondo Retreat Fires Back
In response, Rondo Retreat Centre denied the discrimination claims. Bookings manager Walter Okello told Mpasho that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding over reservations.
“They had no prior booking and we were fully booked,” Okello said, adding that security policy does not allow walk-ins when the resort is at capacity.
He explained that by the time management intervened, tensions were already high.
“The manager tried to apologize, but they were already upset. Things had blown out of proportion,” he said.
Online Firestorm
The incident has ignited fierce debate online, with Kenyans split between backing Kuruka and Bien’s claims of discrimination and siding with the resort’s explanation of a booking mix-up.
What’s clear is that the confrontation has reopened uncomfortable conversations about race, class, and customer treatment in Kenya’s hospitality industry—especially in spaces that market themselves as local, inclusive, and “African.”
By Ghafla