Singer Bien has publicly condemned what he described as preferential treatment of foreign guests after walking out of a hotel in Kakamega. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, prompted the artist to speak openly about respect, dignity, and the need for Kenyans to feel valued in their own spaces.
Bien explained that his decision to leave the facility was a deliberate protest. He stated that he refused to spend his money in an environment where he felt unappreciated and where locals were treated as secondary to foreign visitors.
“We need to decolonise our spaces as a nation,” he said.
He went on to criticize what he described as an outdated mindset that prioritizes white guests while sidelining Kenyans. According to Bien, such practices have no place in modern society and undermine the principle of equal respect.
“I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated,” he said.
Bien emphasized that respect should be extended equally to everyone, regardless of background or nationality. He added that the Kakamega incident was not unique, revealing that he had encountered similar treatment in other parts of the country.
“I had a similar experience at O* in Nanyuki,” Bien said.
His comments suggest that the issue goes beyond a single establishment and reflects a broader pattern that many Kenyans have quietly endured.
Why is Bien calling out discrimination in Kenyan spaces?
Bien urged Kenyans to stop accepting discriminatory treatment and to reclaim dignity in spaces within their own country. He encouraged people to speak out whenever they feel disrespected, stressing that silence only allows unfair practices to continue.
“We need to take back our spaces,” he said.
His wife, Chiki Kuruka, also shared her perspective, describing the experience as deeply upsetting. She revealed that the incident occurred in their home county while she was accompanied by her mother and sister, making the moment even more painful.
“I’ve never had an experience as disgusting as this,” she said.
Chiki expressed frustration that the treatment came despite their professional efforts to uplift and advocate for western Kenya through their work.
“When we spend our entire career raising awareness specifically for western Kenya, this is so disappointing,” she said.
She also questioned the integrity of the organisation involved, especially in light of how it presents itself publicly.
“To call yourself a Christian organisation on top of that is insane,” Chiki said.
Chiki went further, challenging establishments that consistently prioritize foreign guests over locals to be honest about their preferences.
“If you only want white guests, please say that on your website,” she said.
The couple’s remarks have resonated widely online, with many Kenyans sharing similar experiences in hotels, restaurants, and leisure spaces. Several people have noted that foreigners are often attended to first, while locals are ignored or treated dismissively.
By Modester Nasimiyu