Don’t Cheat Our Visitors”: Dr Obukuyi Warns Malaba Traders Over Exploitation of Ugandans.
By Peterson Hiirya
Kenya – The chairperson of the planning committee for the fourth coronation anniversary of Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III, Dr Crispine Charles Baraza Obukuyi, has warned traders and business operators in Malaba against exploiting visitors through unfair pricing, currency discrimination and dishonest business practices.
Dr Obukuyi made the remarks during a cultural and business meeting at Acunet Stadium, Malaba Sports Complex, as he addressed local traders ahead of the grand anniversary celebrations scheduled for October 31, 2026.
He urged business operators to welcome visitors, charge fair prices and provide accurate change, warning that taking advantage of visitors could damage the reputation of the Iteso community.
“Please don’t cheat visitors. Give them the right change. The behaviour and tendency of taking advantage of visitors is bad. It will not go well with us because visitors will leave Kenya with a bad image of the Iteso,” Dr Obukuyi cautioned.
His warning follows complaints from several Ugandan visitors who have travelled to Kenya to attend the fourth coronation anniversary celebrations, with some reporting alleged price discrimination involving food, drinks and currency exchange.
Several Ugandans have expressed frustration over traders who reportedly reject the Ugandan shilling, particularly around the anniversary venue, while those willing to accept the currency allegedly impose unfavourable exchange rates.
Some visitors claim they have been forced to pay between 40 and 45 Kenyan shillings for one Ugandan shilling, rates they consider significantly higher than the prevailing exchange rate of 327.
“Imagine, you can’t even buy water. They keep rejecting our Ugandan shillings,” one viitor identified as fatma complained.
The situation has reportedly frustrated visitors who had hoped to enjoy the Kenyan experience during the celebrations. Some Ugandans have instead opted to cross back into Uganda for food and socialising before returning to Kenya.
Winkers Extreme Motel, a popular nightlife destination in the border town, has reportedly been attracting large crowds every night, with some visitors choosing to spend their leisure time there.
Restaurants have also faced complaints of alleged overpricing, with some Ugandan visitors claiming they are charged higher prices when traders identify their nationality through their Kiswahili accents or English conversations.
However, James Obukuyi, one of the vendors operating at Malaba Sports Complex, defended the higher charges imposed on customers paying in Ugandan currency, arguing that traders incur additional transportation costs when taking the money to exchange points.
He said the anniversary celebrations present an opportunity for local businesses to make money, adding that such costs are considered when dealing with Ugandan shillings.
Meanwhile, Ugandans attending the celebrations have been advised to exchange their money before crossing into Kenya to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and unnecessary financial losses.
The cultural and business meeting attracted several leaders, including Members of Parliament from Uganda and Kenya, who gathered to discuss cultural preservation, business opportunities and the achievements of Emorimor Papa Iteso.
During the meeting, leaders commended Emorimor for his contribution to the unity and development of the Iteso community, particularly his efforts towards reviving the House of Iteso, a cultural institution whose development had reportedly stalled for more than 14 years.
The fourth coronation anniversary celebrations, taking place on October 31, 2026, are expected to bring together cultural leaders, government officials, business communities and thousands of Iteso from Uganda, Kenya and the diaspora to celebrate their cultural heritage and the leadership of Emorimor Papa Iteso.
