
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua giving a press conference in Bogota, Colombia on September 12, 2023. (Photo by Sebastian Barros viaย Gettyย Images)

In a recent turn of events,In a recent turn of events, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made some bold claims regarding the iconic Bomas of Kenya. Gachagua alleged that the State-owned tourist village had been sold to a Turkish national, sparking controversy and raising eyebrows across the nation.
According to Gachagua, President William Rutoโs Cabinet had given the green light for the sale of Bomas of Kenya, which he asserted also included prison lands. In a fiery statement, Gachagua declared, As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. The Cabinet was informed, and I was the only one who opposed it. I stood firm and said this is a national heritage; we cannot sell it.
However, the government swiftly moved to debunk these claims, with Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir issuing a statement refuting the allegations as shocking. Bashir clarified that the government had only undertaken refurbishment works at the heritage site and that Bomas of Kenya had not been sold to anyone.

Bashir further explained that the development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) had received approval from the Cabinet in August 2023, emphasizing that the government had been considering upgrading Bomas of Kenya for the past decade. The PS reassured the public that the ownership of Bomas of Kenya remained unchanged and that it was held in trust on behalf of the people of Kenya for future generations.
Despite the government’s denial, Gachagua persisted in his claims, highlighting objections raised by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) officials due to the village’s location within a flight path. Gachagua lamented, The people from civil aviation opposed it, but the President went ahead and sold it. We are on our own.
Established in 1971, Bomas of Kenya has been a pillar of cultural preservation, showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of Kenya’s ethnic groups. It has not only been a significant tourist attraction but also a cultural center that celebrates the country’s traditions and history.
According to Gachagua, President William Rutoโs Cabinet had given the green light for the sale of Bomas of Kenya, which he asserted also included prison lands. In a fiery statement, Gachagua declared, As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. The Cabinet was informed, and I was the only one who opposed it. I stood firm and said this is a national heritage; we cannot sell it.

However, the government swiftly moved to debunk these claims, with Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir issuing a statement refuting the allegations as shocking. Bashir clarified that the government had only undertaken refurbishment works at the heritage site and that Bomas of Kenya had not been sold to anyone.
Bashir further explained that the development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) had received approval from the Cabinet in August 2023, emphasizing that the government had been considering upgrading Bomas of Kenya for the past decade. The PS reassured the public that the ownership of Bomas of Kenya remained unchanged and that it was held in trust on behalf of the people of Kenya for future generations.
Despite the government’s denial, Gachagua persisted in his claims, highlighting objections raised by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) officials due to the village’s location within a flight path. Gachagua lamented, the people from civil aviation opposed it, but the President went ahead and sold it. We are on our own.

Established in 1971, Bomas of Kenya has been a pillar of cultural preservation, showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of Kenya’s ethnic groups. It has not only been a significant tourist attraction but also a cultural center that celebrates the country’s traditions and history.
THE EDITOR’S PICK!
As the controversy surrounding the alleged sale of Bomas of Kenya continues to unfold, one thing remains clear – the importance of preserving our national heritage and cultural identity. The government’s commitment to safeguarding Bomas of Kenya for future generations is paramount, ensuring that this iconic landmark remains a symbol of Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry.