The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Former Devolution Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera says his hotel in Kisumu has incurred losses estimated at Sh50 million over the past two months due to alleged vandalism and an ongoing dispute over the property.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Fairways Hotel in Kisumu, Nyakera said earlier confrontations linked to the dispute had already resulted in the removal of several items from the hotel, including electronic equipment and conference facility assets.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
His remarks came just hours after an early morning incident on Wednesday when he said a group of suspected goons reportedly forced their way into the hotel, overpowering security guards.
Nyakera said he found the premises extensively damaged when he went to assess the situation.
“When I came downstairs, I found the place badly vandalised,” he said, explaining that restaurant furniture had been overturned, the bar looted, and alcohol bottles left scattered across the floor.
The businessman linked the attack to a long-running disagreement over the land where the hotel stands.
According to Nyakera, his company leased the property in 2019 and invested heavily to renovate what had previously been an abandoned building into a hotel that now employs about 84 workers.
“I secured a loan to construct the conference hall and improve the infrastructure here,” he said, adding that the dispute is largely related to rent arrears accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the hotel was closed for months.
Nyakera said the hotel pays Sh1.7 million in monthly rent, and the matter is currently before a tribunal, with hearings expected later this month.
“Despite the damage and losses, we have not shut down. We will continue serving our staff and guests,” he said, urging that the issue be resolved through legal channels.
“We cannot allow the country to slide into lawlessness. The case is already in court, and that is where it should be handled,” he added.
CCTV footage obtained b reportedly shows several men, some carrying knives and pangas, entering the bar area after breaking glass doors and forcing open the wooden entrance.
The footage also shows the group disconnecting electrical cables and taking items from refrigerators and the counter before moving to other sections of the hotel. Nyakera said he later saw some of the suspects leaving on motorbikes.
“When I checked the security area, I found one guard had been tied up and locked inside a room,” he said.
He claimed the group first entered through a neighbouring property, then climbed over the fence and opened the main gate to allow others into the compound.
Nyakera said he contacted the police soon after the incident but alleged that officers arrived several hours later.
“As you can see, the police came about five hours after the attack,” he said.
He added that he fired warning shots to scare away the group when they allegedly attempted to return, after which a nearby police officer helped secure the premises and ensure the safety of guests.
Nyakera noted that the latest incident has worsened the financial and operational challenges caused by the ongoing dispute.
He said earlier confrontations had already led to the removal of important equipment, affecting the hotel’s daily operations.
Despite the difficulties, he insisted the hotel will remain open.
“We are determined to keep the hotel running because our staff and guests depend on it,” he said.
Nyakera added that he will pursue the matter through the courts, stressing that the dispute has wider implications for investment, employment, and business confidence in Kisumu.
