Ranguma fights Imperial Hotel ownership claim

KISUMU, KENYA: A Kisumu investor has raised fears over the future of one its prestigious hotels in Kisumu that has now been sucked into political debates in the race for Kisumu governor seat.

Imperial Hotel, a four star facility , owned  by the Gilani family and which has hosted several dignitaries including former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi has now become a trending topic in the town over claims that governor Jack Ranguma has purchased it.

Over the weekend, Governor Jack Ranguma and his opponent Anyang' Nyong'o traded barbs over the controversies surrounding the hotel with Nyong'o accusing Ranguma of using public resources to purchase the hotel.

Last week, Prof Nyong'o publicly claimed that Ranguma acquired the hotel using money stolen from the public coffers, and that he will sell the property and revert the money to the public once he clinches the seat.

In his political rallies, the Senator has repeatedly claimed that he is privy to the dealings which led to Ranguma acquiring the property during his term as the Governor.

"Once I take over power, I will sell the hotel (Imperial)," said Nyongo.

But Ranguma dismissed the claims as political propaganda aimed at tarnishing his image.

"Where can I get money to buy that hotel? I have not bought any hotel in Kisumu and I do not even have an interest in buying any hotel," said Ranguma.

The hotel becomes the second of such facility to be linked to the Governor after similar claims were made concerning the ownership of another lavish hotel located in Milimani Estate.