Inside Ciala Resort Ownership as Viral Claims on KRA Boss Dismissed

Claims linking Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General George Obell to the ownership of Ciala Resort and an alleged Ksh 30 billion fraud investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have been dismissed as false and malicious.

A senior official at KRA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, termed the reports a “smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the tax agency’s boss.

According to the official, claims that Obell solely owns the multimillion-shilling hotel in Kisumu are inaccurate, clarifying that the facility is owned by multiple shareholders.

“This is a large investment with several shareholders. It is misleading to claim that one individual owns it entirely,” the source said.

KRA Top Official Dismisses Viral Claims

The KRA source noted that the resort was developed as a joint investment aimed at boosting local tourism and uplifting the surrounding community.

“It started as a small project and has grown over time into what it is today, thanks to collective investment,” the source explained.

Ciala Resort Ownership Clarified

Former Chief Manager at KRA Prof. Vincent Ongore has also come out to dismiss the accusations calling them pure exaggerations and utterly malicious.

In a statement, Ongore said Obell is not an ‘angel’ but clarified that the issues are being raised to taint his image and hinder him from becoming the next Commissioner General.

He questioned how Obell could still be working if he was worth Ksh 30 billion as claimed.

Further, Ongore explained that issues like ownership of Ciala Resort have been raised before.

He stated that investigation was conducted and the relevant agencies found that Ciala Resort is owned by an investment group of more than 100 people.

“The matter has been investigated before, when he was about to be promoted to Commissioner, and it was established that the properties (including Ciala Resort in Kisumu) were owned by an investment group comprising more than 100 members,” Ongore said.

“The case was dismissed as malicious, and George was cleared to be interviewed. He easily got the position.”

Also Read: KRA Unveils Draft Tax Rules Targeting Landlords and Graduate Apprenticeships

He said the figures are exaggerated multiple times to portray Obell as unfit to hold public office.

For example, Ongore said Ciala Resort is worth less than Ksh 1 billion, not the Ksh 16 billion in the documents.

Additionally, Ongore said the conspirators went online, picked all enterprise, both local and international, bearing the name “Ciala”, and lumped them together with Ciala Resort.

“That many of the properties included in the case bear similar names, but do not belong to the investment group, is a sign of desperation by individuals who cannot withstand fair competition, and are trying to cling to any semblance of evidence,” he said.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Not True’ — KRA Boss Does Not Own KSh 30 Billion in Wealth

Obell Does Not Own the Other Properties

The KRA official further dismissed additional allegations circulating online, including claims that Obel owns a hospital and a steel company, terming them baseless.

“There is no such steel company, and he does not own the hospital being mentioned. These are false claims meant to mislead the public,” the source added.

On the alleged probe by the EACC over a Ksh 30 billion fraud at KRA, the official insisted there is no such investigation targeting the Commissioner General.

“There are no facts to support those claims. They are purely malicious,” the source said, adding that official company records, including CR12 documents, clearly show the resort’s ownership structure.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Not True’ — KRA Boss Does Not Own KSh 30 Billion in Wealth

About the Resort

Ciala Resort is among the top-rated hospitality facilities in Kisumu County, located along the Daraja Mbili–Busia Road.

The resort sits in a hillside setting and is known for its English colonial-inspired architecture blended with modern luxury.

The facility features between 56 and 58 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, including superior and deluxe rooms, executive suites, and a private villa that accommodates up to six guests.

Guests at the resort enjoy a range of amenities, including a gym and spa, steam room, sauna, and a sun-heated outdoor pool. Dining options include the Pine Restaurant, which serves local and international cuisine, and the Mimosa Poolside Bar.

Ciala Resort is also a popular destination for corporate functions and social events, offering a conference centre with over 8,000 square feet of meeting space and multiple event grounds used for weddings, product launches, and team-building activities.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

A collage photo of KRA Commissioner general George Obel. PHOTO/Obel