Rondo Retreat Centre in Kakamega County has publicly apologised to Kenyan musician Bien-Aimé Baraza — popularly known as Bien of Sauti Sol — and his family after they accused the facility of discriminatory treatment during a visit that sparked a nationwide debate on hospitality standards and fairness in Kenyan leisure spaces
The apology was issued on January 8, 2026, a day after Bien and his spouse, Chiki Kuruka, shared their experience on social media, describing the interactions at the retreat as degrading and discriminatory. In a statement released by the retreat’s management, Rondo Retreat acknowledged that a miscommunication over residency and citizenship–based pricing policies caused distress to the family, leading them to end their visit prematurely.
The controversy began on January 7, 2026, when Bien posted on Instagram that the family’s visit to Rondo Retreat turned sour after what he described as preferential treatment for foreign guests over Kenyan visitors. According to Bien and his wife, the experience at the resort felt dismissive and disrespectful, prompting them to leave in protest.
In his post, Bien criticised the management for what he termed an outdated hospitality culture that “rolls out the red carpet for white folk and treats Kenyans like trash.” He added that he refused to spend money in a place where his family felt unappreciated, underscoring the need to “decolonise” Kenyan spaces where local patrons are treated with the same respect and courtesy as international visitors.
Bien’s spouse, Chiki Kuruka, detailed the family’s frustration with interactions at the retreat. She said guards initially hesitated to let them in despite prior communication, and that the reception staff’s manner felt dismissive — even after they gained entry. Kuruka conveyed her disappointment that a place with roots in their home county could be so unwelcoming to its own citizens.
The family’s posts quickly gained traction, driving online outrage from other Kenyans who shared similar experiences at local resorts and lodges. After the posts went viral, Rondo Retreat reportedly turned off comments on its social media pages, suggesting the backlash was widespread.
In its apology, the retreat’s management said it was “deeply saddened” that what should have been a peaceful visit resulted in a misunderstanding. Although the centre stressed that it does not tolerate racism or discrimination, it acknowledged mistakes in how staff communicated pricing information and guest handling procedures.
“Racism and discrimination have no place at Rondo Retreat Centre. It’s not in our DNA, nor is it how we operate,” the statement read, highlighting that the facility values every guest equally. Management admitted that while different rates based on residency status are part of its policies, such policies should be explained transparently and respectfully — something it now accepts may not have happened adequately in this case.
The statement also announced plans to review reception protocols and retrain staff to ensure future guests are treated with courtesy and clarity. In closing, Rondo Retreat appealed to Bien, his family, followers and the public for understanding, expressing hope that the incident could be resolved and that the family might return under better circumstances.
While Rondo Retreat’s apology has been welcomed in some quarters, Chiki Kuruka criticised the statement as insufficient, suggesting it lacked sincerity and that the matter may be elevated to a formal complaint process.