For many years, Kenyans have been talking about the Freemason Society in hushed tones.
With the Freemasons’ Hall located along Nyerere road, some people have linked the area with dark secrets, some whispering words of prayer when near the compound.
The Freemason Hall in the heart of the city sits on an expansive land partly covered with mature indigenous and exotic trees, making it stand out from the rest.
The expansive Hall is an old building constructed from carefully crafted stones with stylish finishing; its tinted windows make it hard to peek inside.
The Hall’s roofing design, consisting of tiles and white exterior, complements its pre-colonial look.
From the entrance of the compound, all the way to the Hall also known as the Loge which is about 200 metres stretch, the walkway and compound is carpeted with cabro pieces.
“God said of King Solomon, he shall build me a house and I will establish his throne forever,” are the words inscribed on top of the Hall’s main entrance.
In 2025, William Ramsay McGhee, the Grand Master Mason, Grand Lodge of Scotland, demystified some false allegations about the church.
“I am happy what the Scottish Freemason members are doing not only in this country but also in Uganda where we have been involved in providing ambulances and other activities,” he said, adding:
“Contrary to what some people believe, Freemasonry is purely and simply an organization that tries to make good men better men. We try restore in them the values of integrity and honesty.”
He downplayed the claims that the society has hidden secrets but said the few secrets they have are just purely to guide new members.
“It is a society that has two or three secrets but nothing to worry about. They simply make anyone who is joining the society have some setting to tell them as they progress to the next degrees. Members are advised to take cognizance of the laws of the society that they live in,” Ramsay said.
“The members are encouraged to do all that they can for the neighbour and to become good people and explore arts and signs such as music and geometry. But if you visit some websites, you will see so many things that are totally untrue,” he said
Adding that, we are simply good and honest men who are trying to make good and honest men out of other men,” pointing out that such misconceptions were not limited to Kenya.
According to the leader, there is no age limit for those seeking to join the society but one must be referred by an existing member. The whole process of joining takes about one year.
