Sunshine Hotel Owner James Mwangi: Why Laikipia Woman Rep Catherine Waruguru was Kicked Out

James Mwangi, the owner of Kericho's Sunshine Hotel that kicked out Laikipia Woman Representative Catherene Waruguru and her husband William Kiget has defended the controversial move.

Speaking to The Nairobian, Mwangi stood by the decision to eject the Jubilee MP from the hotel after she failed to produce a marriage certificate, a requirement for any couple seeking to spend the night in one room at the hotel.

The businessman said he doesn't care the repercussions of the move, stating that he will never compromise "family values' instilled in him by his father.

"It is against our rules for unmarried couples, a man and woman outside wedlock to sleep in one room," he said.

"Some managers have threatened to quit over the strict hotel rules but I'd rather lose clients than compromise on family morals inherited from my father," said the 63-year-old class six dropout.

Efforts by Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, MPs Nelson Koech, Sylvanus Maritim and Florence Bore to convince the hotel to allow Waruguru and her husband spend the night there bore no fruits.

“Rules are rules and every establishment reserves the right to admit clients or deny them access. Golf clubs, for instance, are members-only establishments and those rules cannot be broken," the hotel’s manager, Frank Kirui, said.

 “Mheshimiwa should have obeyed the hotel’s rules instead of humiliating staff.”

Waruguru has urged residents to boycott the hotel even as she plans to take legal action against the owner and manager.

 “My traditional wedding to Kiget was witnessed by elders, what kind of document did the hotel want me to produce to show for it?” said Waruguru. “I can’t believe that my fellow tribesman could deny me accommodation."

“I will file a suit against the hotel,” Kiget told The Nairobian.