Kenyan singer Bien Aime publicly criticised what he described as preferential treatment of foreign guests over Kenyan patrons at hotels, saying he walked out of an establishment in Kakamega in protest after feeling unappreciated.
Bien said the experience, which occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, was not an isolated incident and highlighted a broader issue of locals being undervalued in hospitality settings.
Bien said he left the Kakamega facility because he was dissatisfied with the service given to him, while other guests, particularly foreigners, were accorded better treatment.
He called on Kenyans to “take back our spaces” and said he would no longer spend money in places where locals are not respected.
The singer also referenced a similar experience at another hotel in Nanyuki, suggesting such treatment happens in multiple locations across the country.
Bien’s comments emphasised that respect and equal service should be standard regardless of guest background.
Bien’s wife, Chiki Kuruka, also shared her own negative experience at the Kakamega venue, calling the treatment “deeply upsetting,” especially because they were in their home county with family members.
She questioned the values of the organisation, especially as the venue marketed itself under a Christian identity.
Chiki challenged establishments that appear to favour foreign patrons, saying such venues should be transparent about their service policies.
“If you only want white guests, please say that on your website,” she wrote, underlining the emotional impact of perceived discrimination.
The episode has contributed to broader online discussions in Kenya, where other users have shared similar experiences of being treated differently in restaurants and leisure spots when compared to foreign visitors.
Many commentators argue that fair and equal treatment should be upheld by all hospitality providers, irrespective of a guest’s nationality or background.