Bismilahi Lengut Hotel: A Taste of Eldoret’s Rich Heritage

By William Kiptoo 

Bismilahi Lengut hotel, located at the corner of Moi and Oloo Streets in the heart of Eldoret town was established in the 1970s. This unassuming eatery has been a cherished stopover for thousands seeking a warm cup of tea, hearty snacks, and a sense of community.

Regarded as one of Eldoret’s oldest eateries, Bismilahi Lengut has not only fed the town’s residents and visitors for decades but also served as an important meeting point—especially for members of the Marakwet community. For years, it was a central hub for those traveling to and from the Tot and Endo areas, a place where people gathered daily to catch up on news from the valley.
The origins of the hotel’s ownership remain a subject of speculation. Some believe it belonged to a prominent Eldoret businessman the late Ahmed Arap Sisiwo while other believe it belongs to notable Kalenjin personalities. However, the face most closely associated with the hotel’s legacy is Salim Mbarak Sr., a respected businessman originally from Mombasa. Salim ran the restaurant for many years until his passing, and the business is now managed by his family.
Salim Mbarak Sr. was known to have owned several businesses across Mombasa and other towns, but it was Bismilahi Lengut Hotel that perhaps left the most enduring legacy. Under his management, the restaurant became widely known for its signature tea and delicious snacks. Despite facing public health concerns in 2013, the hotel swiftly addressed the issues, regaining the trust of its loyal patrons.
The hotel’s name—Lengut—is drawn from a traditional Kalenjin wooden milk container, a nod perhaps to its founders’ desire to attract the local Kalenjin clientele who dominated Eldoret’s early population. Its strategic location near busy matatu stages made it a natural gathering point.
The property housing the hotel, on Plot No. Eldoret Municipality Block 7/69, is also home to several other notable businesses, including Tachasis Wholesalers, Bibato Wholesalers, Marobon Wholesalers, Ramesh Gosrani Shop, Satish Shah Shop, Kionoiyo Footwear, and Hasam Lalji Properties. Over the years, there have been occasional legal disputes over rent involving the hotel and other tenants.
One of the more colorful tales tied to the hotel's vicinity is that of Kisitet, a Marakwet man who, in the 1980s, lived atop a large paper tree on a neighboring plot. Known for his marionette performances, Kisitet would draw crowds and often received his meals from Lengut Hotel. According to local lore, President Jomo Kenyatta awarded Kisitet the plot—and an additional 100 acres in Cherangani—in 1967 after he sang for him during a presidential tour.
From its humble beginnings to its place in Eldoret's evolving urban landscape, Bismilahi Lengut Hotel continues to serve more than just food—it serves history, culture, and the enduring spirit of community.



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