Dr. Keith Rigathi, son of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has taken ownership of the iconic Treetops and Outspan Hotel in Nyeri. The facility, which has been non-operational for at least three years due to the COVID pandemic, is now set for a grand reopening in May.
Located at the foot of the Aberdares, the hotel holds significant British history. It gained global recognition on February 6, 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne while staying at the hotel, following the death of her father, King George VI. As queen, Elizabeth II made two official visits to the hotel in 1959 and 1983.
The primary hotel, originally opened on November 6, 1932, by Eric Sherbrooke Walker, was built as a treehouse on top of the trees of Aberdare National Park, offering guests a close view of wildlife. It was later reconstructed 100 meters from the original site after being brought down by Mau Mau fighters post-1954. The location where Queen Elizabeth II’s treetop room was situated has been enclosed by an electric fence and a fig tree.
Dr. Rigathi emphasizes the hotel’s significance in Kenya’s history, as it is said to have underground tunnels constructed by Mau Mau fighters for accessing the facility. Additionally, about 10 kilometers away lies a fig tree that served as a post office during the Mau Mau movement. The hotel is currently undergoing renovation and upgrades to become a world-class facility.
