Bien Walks out of Kakamega Hotel in Protest over Alleged Discrimination

Kenyan Singer Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza walked out of a facility in protest in what he described as preferential treatment of foreigners The singer said he walked out of a facility on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, in protest after feeling unappreciated, adding that he would not spend his money in a place where Kenyans are treated poorly. “I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated,” he said, stressing that respect should be given equally to everyone regardless of background. “ It is time for Kenyans to take back their spacesWe need to decolonise our spaces as a nation,” he said. Bien added that the idea of rolling out the red carpet for whitefolk while treating Kenyans like they are not important is outdated and unacceptable in today’s society. Bien explained that his decision to leave was a form of protest. “I walked out in protest because I won’t spend my money where I’m not appreciated,” he said, stressing that respect should be given equally to everyone regardless of background. He also revealed that this was not an isolated incident. “I had a similar experience at O* in Nanyuki,” Bien said, suggesting that such treatment happens in different places across the country. Bien insisted that Kenyans must stand up for themselves and reclaim dignity in local spaces. “We need to take back our spaces,” he said, urging people to speak out when they feel disrespected in their own country. His wife, Chiki Kuruka, also shared her experience, saying the treatment they received was deeply upsetting. “I’ve never had an experience as disgusting as this,” she said, adding that the incident happened in their home county while she was with her mother and sister. Chiki said the situation was even more painful considering their work. “When we spend our entire career raising awareness specifically for western Kenya, this is so disappointing,” she said, expressing frustration over the lack of respect shown to them. She also questioned the values of the organisation involved. “To call yourself a Christian organisation on top of that is insane,” Chiki said, criticising what she viewed as hypocrisy in how they were treated. Chiki further challenged establishments that favour foreigners over locals. “If you only want white guests, please say that on your website,” she said, calling for honesty and transparency. This complaint comes amid growing online discussions where Kenyans share similar stories. Many have said that in restaurants and leisure spaces, foreigners are often given priority while locals are ignored.