Veteran hotelier and the General Manager of Kisumu City's symbolic Sovereign Hotel, Johannes Antanius Legebeke, died on Thursday, January 19.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o confirmed Legebeke's death in a condolence message to the family of the hotelier.
"I have known him for years and his death is a big blow not only to the Sovereign Hotel but to the industry, where he nurtured many hoteliers.
"On behalf of my family and the county government of Kisumu, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the Sovereign Hotel family, friends and relatives of deceased Legebeke for this big loss," Nyong'o expressed his sympathy.
During his time as the General Manager of Sovereign Hotel, Johannes modernised the iconic boarding house into a five-star capacity.
Celebrated as a friend to Kisumu County and a key player in the hospitality and tourism sectors in the region, Johannes' efforts uplifted the look and feel of the lakeside town when he raised standards at Sovereign Hotel.
"Sovereign Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel, aiming to offer unprecedented luxury and quality in Kisumu.
"Located within easy reach of the business district, but away from the bustle of town, it combines security and convenience in one location," the hotel wrote on its website.
Sovereign Hotel boasts beautiful architecture, a spacious setup and lush gardens that create a beautiful and peaceful environment for business and leisure travelers alike.
"By providing great service, serving exciting culinary delights and offering wellness and fitness choices, our guests are treated to a complete hospitality experience," Sovereign Hotel wrote on its website.
All the services offered by Sovereign Hotel have a glorious touch of a boutique in Kisumu with the experience of a luxurious life.
On their website, Sovereign hotel charges around Ksh17,000 for a single room and Ksh20,000 for a double room, per night.
