Deputy President Dr William Ruto’s multi-million shilling Karen home that sits on four-acre piece of land now serves as an executive wing of the Weston Hotel that has become the nerve centre and his political power centre, a local daily reports.
According to the Standard, the once palatial family home for the DP’s family has now been turned into an exclusive guest house.
“The hotel is currently undergoing renovation and expansion, but it will be ready and open next month,” said a source involved in renovations as quoted by the local daily.
Reports further indicate that the renovations are expected to upgrade it into a top-of-the-range facility for the affluent clientele complete with a presidential suite that could cost a fortune a night.
Ruto moved into the house in 2010 from an older house within the compound. When he became the Deputy President in 2013, the exigencies of his office- including security- necessitated his move to the official residence which had been completed a year before.
The residence has several houses including two 3 bedroom maisonettes, for the house keeper, security officers and other staff.
Initially the DP was reluctant to move to his official residence after Jubilee came into power. Besides, the house required minor adjustments and refurbishment.
“In his hustler spirit, he decided that the house could give him a coin or two for the family instead of letting it stay unoccupied,” said one of the aides who sought anonymity.
“It is an exclusive hotel or you can call it a guest house, but it is only for the top notch clientele, or when he has guests and wants to have very private meetings,” he added.
Once completed, the guest house will add to Ruto’s ventures into the hospitality industry coming after Weston Hotel, which describes itself ‘as a four-star, a classic, luxurious hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi Central Business District.