Lake Naivasha Resort on the spot over ethnic profiling of Somalis
The controversy erupted after a video clip circulated widely on social media showing a visitor being denied entry to the resort
Lake Naivasha Resort, a renowned upscale destination in Naivasha, has found itself at the center of controversy after allegations emerged that members of the Somali community were subjected to ethnic profiling.
The controversy erupted after a video clip circulated widely on social media showing a visitor being denied entry to the resort. In the video, a security guard is heard saying he had been instructed by management not to allow Somalis into the facility.
The guard told digital content creator who goes by the name Captain Nomad on Tiktok, that the directive was issued following alleged misconduct by individuals some who were said to be Somali visitors.
"They created disturbances and disrupted a meeting, and even after being asked to leave, they refused," the guard said in the video.
Captain Nomad, who describes himself as a regular visitor to the area, expressed shock at the incident. "It is the funniest thing I have heard in my life as a Kenyan. I was denied entry to this place apparently because I am Somali," he said in a video posted on TikTok.
"I was told that Somalis should not set foot in Lake Naivasha Resort," he added.
His requests to speak with the management for clarification were also declined.
At the time of the incident, he was headed to Crescent Island, one of Lake Naivasha's most popular tourist attractions. He said he has made the trip numerous times with friends and clients and usually hires boats from the resort to access the island.
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"To be denied entry because I am Somali was one of the worst experiences I have had as a Kenyan in Kenya," he said.
When contacted by Sahifa Media for clarification, an official at the resort, Stephen Njiriri, said he was not in a position to address the matter. He promised to connect the publication with senior management but had not done so by the time of publication despite several follow-ups.
The incident has sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many users condemning the directive as stereotyping and discriminatory, while others argued that private establishments reserve the right to admit or deny entry to visitors.
"In Kenya, a resort cannot legally hide behind right of admission to openly discriminate based on tribe or ethnicity. This can amount to ethnic discrimination under Article 27 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination," wrote Khamis Idd Yousuf on Facebook.
Others called on the resort's owners to investigate the matter."This is very wrong. The owner should check the management. We are known for our hospitality," wrote S.D. Njoroge (@Dejean_Solotov) on X.
TikTok user indiememoirs described the incident as "racial and xenophobic profiling."
"I am so sorry to hear about the racial and xenophobic profiling. It is truly disgusting," the user commented.
On Instagram, user chronixke wrote: "That is bad discrimination. Imagine going to a place and getting denied entry because of your village mates."
