The Kenyan government has dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that Bomas of Kenya, a state-owned cultural and tourist site in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area, has been sold to a Turkish national.
Speaking at a church service in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto’s Cabinet had approved the sale, including prison lands. He asserted that he was the only one in Cabinet who opposed the decision, arguing that Bomas of Kenya is a national heritage site that should remain in public ownership.
However, Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir refuted these claims in a statement on Monday, calling them “shocking” and unfounded. She clarified that the government has only undertaken renovations at the facility to enhance its appeal.
“Bomas of Kenya has not been sold. The Cabinet approved the development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) on August 8, 2023, following a memorandum presented by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Hon. Peninah Malonza,” Bashir stated.
She emphasized that the plan to refurbish and modernize Bomas of Kenya had been under consideration for the past decade. The current administration, she noted, has prioritized its implementation to boost tourism and cultural preservation.
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Bashir reassured the public that Bomas of Kenya remains under government ownership, held in trust for the people of Kenya.
Gachagua, who has been vocal against Ruto’s administration since his impeachment last October, also claimed that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had raised objections due to the site's location within a flight path. Despite these concerns, he alleged, the sale proceeded.
Established in 1971, Bomas of Kenya has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the country's rich cultural diversity, attracting local and international visitors.
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