Luxurious yacht named SALT docked in Kilifi.
Kilifi, Kenya — November 11, 2025
A luxury yacht named Salt – White Bay, which docked in Kilifi town on November 6, has sparked controversy and speculation after reports surfaced alleging that it was seized with illegal weapons. Authorities, however, have firmly dismissed these claims, clarifying that the vessel’s detention was due to a docking clearance issue rather than criminal activity.
Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott confirmed that the sleek, foreign-registered yacht was detained at the Kilifi Creek with six tourists on board after it emerged that the vessel had not received authorization from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to enter Kenyan waters.
“The yacht is okay. Only that there was an oversight issue. It has been seized because there was no clearance with KPA,” Biwott said in an interview with Bahari FM.
Biwott emphasized that contrary to circulating social media reports, no illegal weapons were found on the vessel. He explained that the firearms recovered during the inspection were legally registered and were intended for the tourists’ self-protection while sailing through international waters.
“There is no yacht that would sail without protection. The weapons were for their protection. How would they defend themselves if pirates attack them on the sea?” he added.
Tourists Cleared, Yacht Still Under Review
According to Patricia Buri-Sector, the Commander of the Tourism Police Unit for the Coast region, the six foreign nationals aboard the Salt – White Bay were cooperative during the inspection. She revealed that the tourists were on a leisure voyage from Dubai and had planned to visit Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Parks before continuing their journey to Madagascar on November 14.
“The yacht is from Dubai and has tourists of different nationalities. Their documents are in order, and we are ensuring they comply with Kenyan maritime procedures,” said Buri-Sector.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and the Marine Police Unit are reported to be conducting a joint review to determine whether the yacht’s operators violated any maritime regulations beyond the docking oversight. Officials said the tourists were allowed to disembark and continue with their itinerary under supervision.
Governor Mung’aro Welcomes High-End Tourism
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro downplayed the incident and instead used the opportunity to promote Kilifi as a prime destination for luxury travelers. He urged locals and investors to see such visits as economic opportunities rather than controversies.
“We welcome tourists and urge them to invest in Kilifi. High-end visitors can help boost our local economy through hospitality, real estate, and cultural tourism,” said Mung’aro.
The Salt – White Bay has drawn attention from both residents and online users, many of whom have been sharing photos of the vessel docked at the Kilifi shoreline. The yacht, featuring a sleek white finish and modern design, is reportedly among the most expensive private charters operating between Dubai, Zanzibar, and Madagascar.
Authorities Call for Calm
Officials are now calling for restraint as investigations continue, cautioning the public against spreading misinformation. Commissioner Biwott reiterated that the yacht’s detention should not be mistaken for a criminal seizure.
“Let people not panic. This is a procedural matter between the vessel and the Kenya Ports Authority. The tourists are safe and compliant,” he said.
As of Tuesday, the yacht remains at Kilifi Creek under observation by the Kenya Maritime Authority and KPA officers. Authorities have not indicated whether the vessel will face penalties or be released before its scheduled departure later this week.
