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Kakamega’s Rondo Retreat issues groveling apology to Bien following discrimination row
08th January, 2026 03:52 PM
Rondo Retreat Centre in Kakamega County has issued a public apology to musician Bien-Aimé Baraza, popularly known as Bien, and his family following an incident at the facility that sparked public outrage and accusations of discrimination.
In a statement released by its management on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Rondo Retreat acknowledged that Bien and his family’s visit ended in distress after a misunderstanding over residency and citizenship rate policies at the reception.
“We are deeply saddened that what would have been a peaceful visit ended in a misunderstanding regarding our residency and citizenship rate policies. We understand that the way this information was communicated caused distress, leading Bien and his family to feel unwelcome and ultimately decide to leave our premises.”
The retreat firmly denied claims of racism or discrimination, stating that such conduct has no place at the facility.
“Racism and discrimination have no place at Rondo Retreat Centre. It’s not in our DNA, nor is it how we operate. We value every guest who walks through our door equally,” the management said.
Rondo Retreat clarified that while it operates different rate structures based on residency status, these policies should always be handled with transparency, courtesy, and respect, admitting that this may not have been adequately done in this case.
Further, the management stated that it is reviewing reception protocols and staff training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“To Bien and your family: we are truly sorry for the hurt this may have caused. We apologise to your followers and the general public for falling a little short of the high standard of hospitality we strive to achieve to maintain,” read the statement.
“We hope for the opportunity to make this right and to welcome you back in the future under much better circumstances.”
The apology came after public outrage, with Kenyans calling out the facility after others shared similar experiences, prompting it to turn off its comment section on social media.
Kenyans also gave negative reviews of the facility on Google after Bien shared his experience on Instagram on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, who described the retreat as a disgrace to Kakamega County and called for the decolonisation of Kenyan spaces.
“Rondo Retreat is a disgrace to Kakamega County. We need to decolonise our spaces as a nation. The whole concept of rolling the red carpet for white folk and treating Kenyans like trash is played out. I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated. I had a similar experience at Oljogi in Nanyuki. We need to take back our spaces,” he wrote.
Bien’s wife, choreographer and creative director Chiki Kuruka, also shared her account, saying the family was initially denied entry at the gate despite calling in advance.
She further stated that the interaction at the reception desk was dismissive and disrespectful.
“Eventually, they let us in. 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. My mum, a lawyer trained to be unbiased, eventually said, “I’m not willing to spend any more money here; let’s go.”
