Nairobi-Based Luxury Hotel Giraffe Manor Under Fire over Racism Claims

Kenyans on social media have put Nairobi-based luxury hotel Giraffe Manor on the spot over racism allegations. 

The facility, which hosts a number of giraffes, faced backlash from online users after it announced it is ‘reopening for Kenyans’ following closure over Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement triggered negative reactions among Kenyans online, who accused the hotel located in Karen of preferring white clients over blacks (including Kenyans).

Some Kenyans even went ahead to narrate how they were frustrated while seeking to book a place at the hotel. 

Kenyan PR practitioner Anyiko Owoko recalled being asked to pay Sh60,000 for a breakfast at the hotel. The amount would cater for airport transfer, car and chauffeur.

“When we requested to come have breakfast and just see the giraffes we were slapped with an exorbitant rate [over 600 USD] which included a driver, chauffeur, airport transfer and a vehicle BUT when we requested to pay only for the breakfast and to see giraffes and not have to pay for the car and airport transfer because we are Kenyans and commuting from the city, your bookings department refused and said that we had to pay the full amount because it is your policy,” she noted.

She added: “For the longest time, your policy has been to have these type of pricing that only benefit non-Kenyans and tourists coming from outside Kenya. I wonder why all over sudden you are welcoming Kenyans into your establishment. Is it because you now need us for your business to survive? You would not have invited us had it not been for the fact that your business, just like all others, is suffering because of the Covid restrictions.”

Below are some reactions by Kenyans online;

@Moha001_Onyango said: “Talking of giraffes... There are plenty of them on the Garissa - Wajir route. If you are lucky you will even see the white giraffes, no need of going to Giraffe Manor where you will he treated like a second class citizen... My two cents 😊😊😊.”

@KKombani stated: “We should go where we are wanted, yes. But one thing we should never allow is an institution to use Target Market nonsense to lock out any race.We should speak out against @giraffe_manor racism whether we can afford to dine there or not.”

@Mx_chichi noted: “Today was the day people decided to have a conversation about the Giraffe Manor. For years I always wondered why such establishments were given preferential treatment by the state. Why would the state arrest Kenyans for domesticating baboons but let this buffoonery slide?”

@msciru_nganga tweeted: “Been trying hard not to give this much attention. But here we are. The nerve.. Ati 'now open to Kenyans.' That statement alone discredits you 100%. Serious bs. Yaani.. 🤦♀️. Shame on you Giraffe Manor.”

@Mx_chichi added: “Giraffe Manor is a symbol of racism, imperialism, & internalized racism. The current owners Mikey & Tanya Carr-Hartley are 4th generation Kenyans. Their great-grandparents came to Kenya to colonize Kenyans & colonize our great-grandparents sufficiently.”

@1briankimani said: “Giraffe manor is the tip of the iceberg. There are so many white owned conservancies, lodges in Kenya that only allow foreign visitors, and are usually "fully booked" 2 years in advance, even Airbnbs that cancel if they find out you're Kenyan...Lakini Covid-19 ni nani? 😂.”