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

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? 😂.”

Comments

formerlyguest2 (not verified)     Mon, 06/08/2020 @ 01:57pm

All I know this is place is so expensive for wakenya, I tried booking but turned off by their price - they are entitled to it since it is a private company. Now onto overt and covert racism in most of these mzungu owned establishments, - oh where to start ? Call them out Kenyans , enough is enough!

mwororo (not verified)     Mon, 06/08/2020 @ 06:05pm

Any insidious traces of racism and discrimination whether disguised inform of pricing or other marketing gimmicks must be denounced in the strongest terms possible. Every method including detective work must be used to oust them. These are the same Wazungus whose grandparents persecuted our people. Took our lands, banned our culture - traditions and customers in order to control us and use us. They raped and castrated our ancestors and today they are out and about enjoying themselves to the fullest in our own land. Our forefathers fought for our freedom, liberty, land and dignity with their blood and even their lives. How dare we insult their honor and sacrifice by living under the control and shadow of their sworn enemy? Get their knee off your neck when you still can.

On The Rocks!! (not verified)     Tue, 06/09/2020 @ 08:08am

In reply to by mwororo (not verified)

It's the Kenyatta's family and his goons of thugs. They betrayed and killed Kimathi...You wonder why the MAU MAU fighters started saying 'NOT YET UHURU' after the betrayal and assassination of Dedan Kimathi..Mzungu Aende Uraya Mwafrika Apate Uhuru!!!....

Guest #13 (not verified)     Mon, 06/08/2020 @ 06:45pm

It is Kenya what do you expect? Chinese, Indian, European you name it all come here and then look down on us like it's 1955.

Ex diasporan (not verified)     Wed, 06/10/2020 @ 12:16am

Their business model is designed to offer bed and breakfast with the giraffes. If walk ins are allowed, there would be overcrowding. My friend went there for a night and had breakfast. It's their business model, sorry.

Julius Njau (not verified)     Thu, 06/11/2020 @ 04:32am

Wondering why all the fuss about this girraffe manor.Its a willing seller willing buyer policy here.You afford their rates and terms you are welcome,you aint you check elsewhere worth your ability.No one can dictate to owners of any business how to run as far as they are in the confines of law.You dont like em you set up yours.Get to know the meaning of "business"

Archer (not verified)     Wed, 05/08/2024 @ 06:45am

Mike Carr-Hartley is the most racist person I have ever met. At the same time he employees casual workers paying them Ksh 89 an hour while he is berating them and the supervisors in front of the lie level workers

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