CCTV footage shows armed men storming former PS Irungu Nyakera’s hotel in Kisumu early Wednesday. The attackers carried machetes and sticks, overpowering the security officer at the gate around 5:15am.
They rushed inside, breaking furniture, kitchen equipment, and other hotel property. Some masked their faces, while others wore helmets to avoid identification. (CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO)
Staff Attacked and Injured
The intruders assaulted staff, tying up a female security guard and injuring several employees. Nyakera, present during the raid, fired two warning shots to disperse the attackers.
He said the shots forced the men to retreat temporarily and protected staff from further harm. Hotel records and operational documents were destroyed, and goods of unknown value were stolen.
Property Damage and Theft
The attackers carried several items out of the hotel before fleeing the scene. Weeks earlier, Nyakera said the hotel faced a similar raid that disrupted operations temporarily.
Merchandise was stolen during the previous incident, and staff were briefly locked out. The repeated attacks caused financial losses and raised serious security concerns for the hotel.
Alleged Political Motive
Nyakera alleged political rivals orchestrated the attacks to intimidate him due to his DCP affiliation. He said some officials pressured him to vacate the government-owned mall property.
He claimed previous raids followed instructions from officials with personal interests in the property. Nyakera emphasized that opposition figures and business owners face growing risks in Kisumu. (CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO 2)
Security Response Lapses
Nyakera contacted the area OCS for backup, but no assistance arrived during either attack. He warned the officer he would shoot anyone entering the hotel without permission.
He sent the warning through the hotel’s security WhatsApp group to protect staff and property. The incidents disrupted operations temporarily, and several staff required medical attention.
Aftermath and Concerns
Nyakera expressed concern about repeated attacks and political intimidation in Kisumu. He said these incidents highlight the dangers opposition figures face while running businesses in the region.
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