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A viral clip has surfaced online offering a glimpse inside The Encore Nakuru, a multi-billion shilling five-star hotel linked to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and her husband, businessman Sam Mburu.
In the footage seen by TNX Africa, viewers are taken on a tour of the luxury property, which reportedly features 205 deluxe, executive, and presidential suites.
The video, shared by Mburu's close friend Don Kamau, begins in a spacious white lobby adorned with bird and floral-themed décor.
The interior features gold and brown accents on the walls and pillars, while a grand white staircase leads to the upper floors.
As Don and a companion walk through the hotel, the camera captures neatly arranged guest seating areas and elaborate chandeliers.
The pair also tour the bar area, where patrons can be seen enjoying themselves.
The clip concludes with a view of the hotel's upscale swimming pool, complete with decorative water fountains and lounging areas for guests.
The new Susan kihika hotel in Nakuru oya watu ya tuterm look at how politicians are enjoying life wewe na Itel yako kazi ni kusema tuterm utakufa mbaya sana!!
— Mary Njoroge (@Maryian96) June 21, 2026
According to local media reports, the development was designed as a premium hospitality and corporate hub.
It features eight restaurants and lounges, a large swimming pool, parking for up to 300 vehicles, and a wellness centre equipped with a gym, steam rooms, saunas, and hydropools.
The property also includes extensive conference facilities, comprising 23 meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, and a 3,500-square-metre events garden.
Despite its impressive amenities, the development has been the subject of political controversy and public debate.
In a lawsuit filed by Kihika, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja allegedly claimed that county funds were misappropriated to construct the family-owned project.
She further alleged that county resources were used for the development while residents lacked basic public services and that the hotel was built on land belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation near State House Nakuru.
The hotel's proximity to a presidential facility has also prompted concerns from some local leaders over security implications.
In her court filings, Governor Kihika denied the allegations and argued that Karanja's remarks, having been made outside Parliament, were not protected by parliamentary privilege under Article 117 of the Constitution.
“The allegations made by the defendant are entirely false as there exists no audit report, investigations, criminal charge or administrative finding by the Auditor General, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, or any other lawful authority implicating me in misappropriation of public funds, corruption or abuse of office,” part of the suit, as quoted by The Standard, states.
Supporters of the project maintain that all required approvals and legal clearances were obtained.
The hotel nevertheless remains at the centre of an ongoing public debate about governance, transparency, and political accountability.
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