The government has issued a response to recent claims that the Bomas of Kenya was sold to a foreign investor, following public uproar over the issue.
On Sunday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made sensational allegations, asserting that the iconic Bomas of Kenya had been sold to a Turkish businessman, with Cabinet approval. His comments caused a stir, leading to widespread criticism.
However, on Monday, March 10, Ummi Bashir, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture and Arts, refuted these claims in a statement.
Bashir firmly denied that the national heritage site had been sold, stating, “I am deeply surprised by the allegations made by the former Deputy President about the sale of Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish national.
The State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage categorically rejects this accusation. Bomas of Kenya has not been sold to anyone.”
Bashir also addressed concerns regarding the ongoing transformation of Bomas of Kenya, which some had mistakenly attributed to a foreign investor. She explained that the renovation process, which began in 2023, had been approved by the Cabinet and was part of an effort to upgrade the facility.
“The idea of refurbishing and improving Bomas of Kenya has been under discussion for over ten years. It is this current administration that has actively pursued the implementation of these plans,” Bashir explained.
The Principal Secretary further emphasized that Bomas of Kenya has a legitimate title deed issued in 1971, underscoring the historical significance of the property. She clarified that the renovations are part of a broader vision to transform Bomas into a world-class conferencing center, aiming to meet international standards.
Bashir concluded her statement by reiterating that Bomas of Kenya remains a government asset and that there are no plans to sell it. “Bomas of Kenya will continue to be a government facility, and there are no intentions to sell it to anyone,” she confirmed.
These statements come in response to the explosive allegations made by Gachagua during a service at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, March 9. Gachagua claimed that while Cabinet members allegedly supported the deal, he was the sole individual to oppose it.
He also suggested that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had raised concerns about the renovations, warning that the location of Bomas of Kenya, near a critical flight path, posed potential risks.
Furthermore, Gachagua alleged that the Turkish businessman involved in the deal had close ties to a senior government official, adding another layer of controversy to the claims.
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