Silas Jakakimba, former personal advisor to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, has revealed how his family was mistreated and turned away from a popular hotel in Mbita, Homabay County.
In a statement on March 31, Jakakimba called out the hotel’s management to change and treat all customers equally.
According to Jakakimba, his family (wife, three kids, a nephew and a cousin) docked at the hotel for breakfast only to be denied services.
The City Lawyer explained that his sons placed an order, but they were not served even though they could see the food they ordered for.
“The Hotel and its management must change. I cannot believe that when my sons ordered for Weetabix, cornflakes and yam, they have been denied service and expressly told by the Lady Manager, that those are only served to in-house guests, not walk-ins,” Jakakimba said.
“Even as I spoke to my sons, they could actually see whatever they were ordering for. In fact, they have been told to sit in distant corner away from the main dining/restaurant zone,” he added.
Hospitality is a Courtesy
Jakakimba noted that he is putting up an ultra-modern Island Eco-Resort on the Western side of Mfangano Island where his management will not turn away paying guests especially if kids are involved.
“Fact is, she didn’t ask to know that this was Silas Jakakimba’s family because if she did, she’d have treated them well, or turned them away in a polite manner,” Jakakimba said.
“But that is actually where the problem lies – wanting to deal with people based on who and what they are.”
He maintained that hospitality is a courtesy industry which is always basic and should be extended to everyone.
A section of X users condemned the incident while others asked him to provide evidence that it really happened.
Journalist Abuga Makori said “This is quite unacceptable. Discrimination in eateries should not exist in the 21st century. The owner must take responsibility and apologize to members of the public.”
Digital Communication Strategist Ng’endo Murugu asked Jakakimba to post of the incident to proof that it really happened.
“Leta picha (bring the photos) Boss, you’re too good with words. Let’s not imagine, let us see,” Murugu wrote.
Also Read: Ex-Raila’s Aide of 18 Years Joins UDA, Gives Reasons
Silas Jakakimba Joins UDA
Jakakimba officially joined UDA on March 26 after working with Raila for over 19 years.
He said the switch will allow him to contribute to President William Ruto’s development agenda. His announcement came one year after he left Raila and shifted his allegiance to the UDA party.
Besides, he explained that “Kenya’s democracy has matured enough to the extent of realizing that loyalty did not mean a lifetime role”.
Also Read: Former Raila Aide Calls for a Shift in Communication Amid AU Bid
Resignation as Wanga’s Personal Advisor
On July 27, 2023, Jakakimba also resigned as the legal advisor of Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, the lawyer thanked Wanga for appointing him to serve at the Homa Bay executive office.
However, he did not explain in detail the reason for his resignation from the position he held from October 11, 2022.
Jakakimba only mentioned that he had other emerging commitments that would not allow him to serve the governor.
“Due to emerging and increasing commitments earlier unforeseen, I have today rendered my resignation from the said office, with immediate effect.” Jakakimba added.
Jakakimba resigned as a life member of ODM in March 2023.
