Rondo Retreat Saga: Chiki Kuruka and Bien’s Allegations vs the Centre’s Response

Chiki Kuruka has spoken out about a troubling experience she and her husband, Bien Aime Baraza, faced at Rondo Retreat Centre in Kakamega County, describing it as “disgusting” and alleging discriminatory treatment.

Kuruka, who visited the retreat with her family, took to Instagram to share her frustration. She wrote:

“I have never had an experience disgusting as Rondo Retreat. To disrespect Bien and I in our home county with my mum and sister, when we spend our entire career raising awareness specifically for western Kenya is so disappointing.”

She further criticized the retreat’s apparent preference for foreign guests:

Allegations of Racism and Dismissal

In an exclusive interview with Mpasho, Kuruka explained that on arrival, she and her family were initially hindered from entering the facility. She said that when they were eventually allowed in, the reception was cold and unwelcoming.

“We weren’t going to stay, we were asking for a walk, not accommodation. We never once asked for accommodation, we were coming for a nature trail,” she said.

Kuruka also alleged that she faced racism and was dismissed as not being a Kenyan resident.

“I explained to him that I am a resident; he said ‘no, let me explain to you who a resident is.’ I have lived here for eleven years, I am well aware of who a resident is.”

According to her, her husband Bien intervened, and the couple and their family were eventually asked to leave which they decided to. She added that when they posted about the experience online, the retreat deleted their comments and disabled further engagement.

ALSO READ: Bien Reveals the 'Childish' Doubt He Had Before Letting His Wife Chiki Manage His Career

Bien Aime Baraza also expressed his disapproval on social media, writing:

“Rondo Retreat is a disgrace to Kakamega county. We need to decolonize our spaces as a nation. The whole concept of rolling the red carpet for white folks 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.”

Rondo Retreat Centre Responds

Mpasho reached out to Rondo Retreat Centre for a response. Walter Okello, the bookings manager, clarified that the issue arose due to a misunderstanding about prior reservations.

“When they tried to check in at Rondo, they had no prior booking for them as we were fully booked,” Okello explained.

He added that the facility has a policy where guests without confirmed bookings cannot be allowed entry by the watchmen guarding the resort, particularly when the retreat is at full capacity.

“By the time the manager had come to address the situation, things had already blown out of proportion. That is when the management were told that they only wanted for a walk and were already upset. The manager tried to apologize, but they were not in the mood and things had gotten out of hand.”

Context and Reactions

The incident has sparked online debate about customer service, inclusivity, and perceptions of racial preference in hospitality spaces. While Chiki Kuruka and Bien Aime Baraza allege discrimination, Rondo Retreat Centre maintains that the encounter was a result of a booking misunderstanding rather than intentional bias.