High Court finds Muthaiga Country Club guilty of discrimination. Lawyer Donald Kipkorir was denied entry despite being a guest.
The High Court has directed Muthaiga Country Club to pay prominent lawyer Donald Kipkorir Sh1 million as compensation after the club unlawfully blocked him from entering its premises, despite him being a duly registered guest.
Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the club’s conduct amounted to discrimination and violated Kipkorir’s constitutional rights to dignity and equality.
The dispute stems from an incident in August 2024, when Kipkorir arrived for a scheduled meeting with a client who is a member of the elite Nairobi club.
Security officers reportedly stopped him at the gate and ordered him to leave without any explanation, prompting him to take legal action.
His lawyer, Peter Wanyama, described the treatment as “humiliating and degrading.”
In court, Kipkorir also challenged the club’s “blackballing” system, a long-standing rule that allows members to anonymously veto the entry or membership of individuals.
“Muthaiga Country Club should end its blackballing policy where members with personal vendettas are allowed to anonymously stop a guest from entering or becoming a member. It is a relic of elitism,” Kipkorir stated.
He further praised Justice Mwita, calling him “one of our finest judges in mind and character.”
Lawyer Wanyama termed the ruling a victory for constitutionalism, emphasising that private institutions are not above the Bill of Rights.
The judgment is expected to spark renewed scrutiny over Kenya’s exclusive social clubs, many of which have been criticised for opaque and exclusionary membership practices.
