Written by Lisa Murimi
A sudden move by Nairobi County to shut down the Grand Lodge of East Africa’s Freemasons’ Hall over alleged land rate arrears of Ksh 19 million has ignited not just legal disputes, but deep-seated emotions and heated debate across the country.
What started as a government action to recover dues has transformed into a nationwide conversation on what Freemasonry really stands for, forcing many to confront their long-held beliefs and misconceptions.
For years, Freemasonry has been viewed through a veil of mystery.
To some, it is a fraternal society of men bound by charity, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment.
To others, it is something far darker—whispers of occult rituals, conspiracy theories, and even devil worship have often followed its name.
The closure of the Freemasons’ Hall has only intensified these speculations.
“I feel like we’ve been misinformed for so long about Freemasonry,” a Kenyan told radio host Maina Kageni on Thursday, reflecting the deep frustration that many feel.
“It’s just like how we’ve been lied to about so many other things, from nutrition to religion. We’ve been told things that aren’t true.”
Freemasonry, according to its official website, is one of the world’s oldest secular societies, founded on moral and spiritual values.
Its members, who must believe in a Supreme Being, are not part of a religion but are encouraged to maintain their individual faiths.
Freemasons are bound by the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and they engage in charity work supporting hospitals, schools, and the elderly.
The Freemasons’ charitable impact spans across Africa, with numerous lodges under the District Grand Lodge of East Africa, including in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Seychelles.
However, as the hall’s doors close, the question remains: Are we judging the brotherhood based on unfounded fears, or are we simply unwilling to see the good they’ve done?
