Freemasons’ Leader Rejects Sakaja’s Sh19M Land Claim, Offers Rare Glimpse Into Masonic Practices

Freemasons Grand Master Refutes Nairobi County’s Sh19 Million Land Rates Claim, Tells Kenyans Their Secrets

In a rare public appearance, William Ramsay McGhee, Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, has denied allegations that the Freemason Society owes Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Nairobi County Sh19 million in unpaid land rates, describing the claims as “unfounded.”

McGhee’s statement follows a raid on Freemasons’ Hall on Nyerere Road by county officials led by Health CEC Susan Silantoi.

The operation was part of a broader crackdown targeting Sh50 billion in outstanding land rate payments across the county.

“The property is registered under a trust, which exempts it from such rates,” McGhee explained.

“We are currently in talks with the county government, and a joint statement will be issued soon.”

During the enforcement operation, a county official identified as Njoroge contradicted the initial Sh19 million figure, stating that the plot in question owes approximately Sh4 million.

Officials threatened to seize the property until the debt is cleared.

McGhee took the opportunity to address public misconceptions about Freemasonry.

“We are told Freemasonry is a secret society, it is not,” he stated. “Freemasonry is purely an organization where we try to make good men better men.”

He emphasized the society’s core values of integrity, honesty, and godliness, highlighting its three foundational pillars which he described as representing “all that is good in mankind.”

McGhee also stressed the organization’s commitment to supporting both members and non-members.

The Nairobi County operation is part of an aggressive campaign to recover Sh10 billion within two months.

County officials noted that many landowners had ignored a previous waiver period offered for settling outstanding debts.

This public defense marks a significant moment for the Freemasons, an organization traditionally shrouded in mystery, as it navigates both financial scrutiny and public perception in Kenya.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​