Kenyan Government Dismisses Claims Of Bomas Of Kenya Sale

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

The government has strongly denied allegations that Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national, calling the claims “misleading” and “baseless.”

Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Special Projects at the Office of the President, countered recent remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that the historic cultural and conference center had been sold despite opposition from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

In a statement on Monday, Itumbi dismissed Gachagua’s claims as an attempt to mislead the public and derail national progress.

He clarified that the government is not selling Bomas of Kenya, but is instead undertaking an ambitious modernization project to transform it into a world-class international conference and cultural center.

Itumbi highlighted that Bomas of Kenya, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s, is being revamped to meet global standards.

The project includes the construction of an 11,000-seater modern arena, a commercial presidential villas street, and a revitalized cultural hub to preserve and promote Kenya’s heritage.

The modernization aims to position Kenya as a leading destination for high-level conferences, entertainment, and cultural exhibitions.

Principal Secretary for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Ummi Bashir also dismissed Gachagua’s allegations.

She cited a 2023 Cabinet decision that approved the modernization of Bomas under Executive Order No. 2 of 2023.

She further clarified that plans to refurbish Bomas had been under discussion for the past decade, but the current administration had accelerated efforts to implement them.

However, she added that the facility’s title, issued in 1971, remains in the government’s custody.

Speaking at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, Gachagua claimed that the Cabinet had already approved the sale of Bomas despite opposition from KCAA.

He further alleged that prison lands were also included in the deal.

“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,” Gachagua claimed.

Government officials have since refuted these claims, maintaining that Bomas of Kenya remains state property and that the ongoing modernization is in the best interest of the country.