Scandal? Ruto Rushes to ‘Fix’ Bomas Amid Gachagua’s Claims of Secret Sale to Turkish Tycoon
President William Ruto has announced that the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex will begin in two weeks. He made this statement during a Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Bomas to Become a World-Class Conference Center
The President emphasized that the project aims to modernize Bomas and turn it into a world-class conferencing hub. This upgrade will help position Bomas as a top venue for international events, competing with facilities like the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
“The construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex will start in two weeks. This marks a major step in transforming the facility into a premier conference destination,” the Cabinet statement read.
Claims of Bomas Sale to Turkish Investor
The announcement comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that Bomas had been sold to a Turkish investor. Speaking at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, Gachagua claimed that the Cabinet had already approved the sale, despite opposition from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
“As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. I was the only one in the Cabinet who opposed the decision. This is a national heritage, and we cannot sell it,” Gachagua stated.
Government Denies Selling Bomas
The government has denied Gachagua’s claims. Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Ummi Mohammed Bashir, clarified that Bomas is not being sold but renovated. She further stated that Gachagua was part of the Cabinet that approved the renovations.
“The development of Bomas International Convention Complex was approved by the Cabinet on August 8, 2023, after a Cabinet Memorandum was presented by then-Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza,” Bashir’s statement read.
Conclusion
The government remains committed to upgrading Bomas into a modern facility that meets global standards. Despite claims of a sale, officials insist that the project is aimed at improving Kenya’s conference tourism sector.
Scandal? Ruto Rushes to ‘Fix’ Bomas Amid Gachagua’s Claims of Secret Sale to Turkish Tycoon
