NAIROBI — What began as a Sh19 million land rates dispute with the Nairobi County Government has evolved into a rare public relations opportunity for the historically private Freemasons society in Kenya.
William Ramsay McGhee, Grand Master of Scottish Freemasonry, used the unexpected spotlight during a press briefing on Friday to dispel long-held suspicions about the organization and extend an invitation to Kenyan men to join their ranks.
“We are looking for good men to make better men. That’s what Freemasonry is all about—living with honesty, supporting our neighbours, and giving back to the world around us,” McGhee told journalists at the Freemasons’ Hall in Nairobi, just days after county officials had clamped the property over unpaid land rates.
The Grand Lodge of East Africa’s Freemasons’ Hall was among several properties targeted in Nairobi County’s operation to recover approximately Sh50 billion in outstanding land rates.
According to county officials, the society owes Sh19 million in arrears.
McGhee, who bears the titles O.ST. J and D.L. (Officer of the Order of Saint John and Dame of the English monarchy), confirmed that the dispute had been referred to legal advisers.
“As you can see, we are back as normal,” he stated, indicating the reopening of the hall that had been temporarily closed.
In what appeared to be a calculated move to shift the narrative from tax troubles to recruitment, the Grand Master took pains to counter popular misconceptions about the organization.
“If it was a secret society, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today,” McGhee said. “There are no dark secrets, just a few traditional practices kept to enrich the ceremonial journey of members.”
The Freemasons have long been the subject of conspiracy theories and suspicion in Kenya and globally, with rumors of occult practices and secretive rituals.
McGhee directly addressed these concerns, stating: “Contrary to what some people believe, Freemasonry is purely and simply an organization where we try and make good men better men.”
He emphasized that Freemasonry is not a religion but rather a fraternity built on “three pillars” representing “all that is good in mankind” including integrity, charity, and the betterment of humanity.
On membership criteria, McGhee clarified that the organization is open to men of good character regardless of age or background, with only one explicit disqualification: a criminal record involving murder.
The Grand Master revealed that in East Africa alone, the Scottish Freemasonry has 10 lodges with approximately 34,000 members.
Globally, Scottish Freemasonry comprises between 600-700 lodges in Scotland and nearly 400 lodges spread across more than 40 countries.
McGhee warned against believing internet rumors about the organization.
“My concern is that if you’re going to the website, you will see so many things in there that are totally and utterly untrue when it comes to Freemasonry,” he said. “There’s no hockery-pockery or anything at all about it.”
He encouraged those curious about the organization to attend lodge open days or visit their official websites for accurate information.
The Nairobi Freemasons’ Hall houses lodges under various constitutions, including Scottish, Irish, and English, each meeting regularly.
While the tax dispute remains unresolved, McGhee’s public appearance marks a significant departure from the organization’s typically low-profile approach to public relations, suggesting a potential shift toward greater transparency or at least better public image management for the centuries-old fraternity in Kenya.
