Two years since taking over power alongside President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been making moves in the corporate world.
Recent reports have shown that the DP and his family have acquired two iconic hotels; Olive Gardens Hotel and Vipingo Beach Resort.
This comes months after it was reported that Gachagua’s son, Keith, took over the ownership of Outspan and Treetops Hotels.
In this article, WoK looks at the two iconic hotels taken over by the deputy president’s family.
Outspan Hotel
Outspan Hotel in Nyeri is another hotel founded by Eric Sherbrooke Walker in the 1920s.
The hotel, which overlooks a river gorge in the Aberdare Range, was built on around 69 acres of land purchased by Walker in 1928.
It is notable for housing the Paxtu cottage, which served as Baden-Powell’s commissioned residence in the late 1930s and is now a scouting museum.
James Corbett, a hunter and naturalist, also resided there.
Olive Gardens Hotel
Olive Gardens Hotel is a 3-star accommodation located in Nairobi, Kenya, approximately 3.8 km from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
The hotel features 60 rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a garden, free private parking, and a restaurant serving African cuisine.
While guests are provided with a wardrobe and a kettle, all rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels.
According to Booking and TripAdvisor, check-in is from 10:00 to 16:00, and pets are not allowed on the premises.
Treetops Hotel
Treetops Hotel located in Aberdare National Park was first opened on November 6, 1932 by Sherbrooke Walker who is remembered as the host of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when they visited Treetops.
The initial hotel was built into the tops of the trees of Aberdare National Park and it has since grown into a 35-room hotel.
Treetops earned global recognition in 1952 when it witnessed the ascension of Queen Elizabeth to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI.
Queen Elizabeth learnt of her father’s death and her subsequent ascension while having dinner at the hotel alongside Prince Philip.
In 1954, Mau Mau fighters burned down the hotel but another structure would later be constructed some 100 meters from the old one.
The hotel’s capacity was also increased to four rooms.
Notable people who have visited the hotel including musician Paul McCartney, Beatles roadie Mal Evans, author Willard Price and Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts movement.
Walker sold Treetops to the Block Hotel group in 1966, 12 years before the new owners sold it to Aberdare Safari Hotels Ltd.
Vipingo Beach Resort
Situated some 20 kilometres from Watamu National Marine Park, Vipingo Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the stunning Kenyan coast in Kilifi.
It offers an unparalleled experience of coastal luxury, with breathtaking views and unrivaled comfort, featuring accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.
The resort features an extraordinary infinity pool, perfect for relaxing in style while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
It also boasts a vibrant bar area where unforgettable memories are crafted.
Vipingo Beach Resort provides a haven of tranquility, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its rooms are designed to offer the ultimate home away from home, with amenities that ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
The hotel rooms have air conditioning, a desk, a balcony with a garden view, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, bed linen and towels.
Additionally, Arabuko Sokoke National Park is 32 kilometres away, while Bio-Ken Snake Farm is 38 kilometres from the hotel.
