Freemasons Society Announces Their Legal Department is Addressing Issue of Rent Arrears

The leadership of the Grand Lodge of East Africa, Freemasons’ Hall, has announced that their legal department is addressing the issue of unpaid rent arrears, which resulted in the closure of their premises by Nairobi County officials.

The organization asserts that it was granted an exemption from paying land rates in 1994, a matter previously contested in court and ruled in their favor in 2015.

They have also rejected accusations of engaging in secretive practices, emphasizing their commitment to supporting communities across 40 countries where they have a presence.

The Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Bro. William Ramsay McGhee, currently visiting the country, stated that the organization welcomes all interested individuals and denied any association with cult-like rituals.

“I have been briefed on the issue that this place has been closed, l am not fully aware of the situation; all l know is it has been passed to the legal advisors,” said McGhee.

He further explained, “Contrary to what some people believe, Freemasonry is purely and simply an organization where we try to make good men, better men. We try and instill in them values of integrity, honesty, being God-fearing…whatever they wish.”

McGhee also clarified: “If Freemasonry was a secret society, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today; it’s a society that keeps one or two secrets, but those secrets are nothing to worry about. My concern is that if you go to websites today, you will see so many things in there that are totally untrue when it comes to Freemasonry; there is no hockery pockery or anything about it at all.”

The group gained public attention after Nairobi County authorities shut down the Freemasons’ Hall in the city center over land rate arrears totaling Ksh.19 million.