Chiki Kuruka, the spouse of celebrated Sauti Sol singer Bien Aime Baraza, has publicly condemned what she described as a “disgusting” and deeply disappointing experience at a holiday resort in Western Kenya, accusing the establishment of disrespect, discrimination, and poor hospitality.
In an emotional statement shared online, Chiki expressed her heartbreak at what was meant to be a joyful homecoming with her mother and sister in their home county. Instead, she says the family was met with hostility and humiliation at Rondo Retreat Centre.
“I’ve never had an experience as disgusting as Rondo Retreat. To disrespect Bien Aime Sol and in our home county, with my mum and sister, when we spend our entire career raising awareness specifically for Western Kenya, is so disappointing,” Chiki wrote.
Chiki Claims Hostility and Disrespect
According to Chiki, the ordeal began at the entrance, where guards allegedly refused to let them in despite prior communication. Even after eventually gaining access, she claims the situation worsened at the reception.
She alleged that the receptionist ordered Bien to “sit,” and when he politely declined, insisting he was okay standing, the instruction was repeated in what she perceived as a disrespectful manner.
Chiki further stated that the environment felt unwelcoming and discriminatory, suggesting that the resort appeared more accommodating to white guests.
“If you only want white guests, please say that on your website,” she remarked, adding that they were warmly welcomed in every other space they visited, except the resort.
The situation reportedly reached a breaking point when her mother, a lawyer by profession, decided the family could not spend money in a place where they felt unwelcome.
“I’m not willing to spend any money here, let’s go,” her mother reportedly said.
Rondo Retreat Issues Public Apology
Following the public outcry, Rondo Retreat Centre has released an official apology and statement addressed to Bien, his family, and the wider community.
The resort expressed regret over the incident, attributing the situation to a misunderstanding related to residency and citizenship-based rate policies.
“We are deeply saddened that what would have been a peaceful visit ended in a misunderstanding. We understand that the way this information was communicated caused distress,” the statement read.
While Rondo Retreat expressed hope to welcome the family back under better circumstances, Chiki has dismissed the apology as unsincere, threatening to escalate the matter to a fromal complaint.
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