Fairways Hotel Kisumu was on Wednesday morning attacked by a gang of more than 100 goons who vandalised the property and tied up security guards in the latest escalation of a dispute between the facility’s operator and the building’s owner – the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA).

Hotel operator Irungu Nyakera – a former Principal Secretary for Department of Transport, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development – said the attackers stormed the premises at about 5am after gaining access through the neighbouring LBDA compound before forcing their way into the hotel.

Speaking during a media briefing at the facility in Kisumu, Nyakera said the group overpowered the guards, vandalised the restaurant and bar and stole equipment of undetermined value from the reception area.

“I heard noises coming from downstairs and when I came down, I found the place had been completely vandalised. Tables had been turned upside down, bottles smashed on the floor and the reception equipment, including computers and printers, taken away,” he said.

According to Nyakera, one security guard had been tied up and locked in a room by the attackers, who allegedly used dozens of motorcycles to ferry reinforcements into the hotel after gaining entry.

“Some jumped over the fence from the mall side, took the keys from the security and opened the gate for the others. There were more than 100 of them, arriving on about 30 to 40 motorbikes,” he said.

Nyakera said he fired shots in the air to scare away the intruders after they attempted to return to the compound a second time. He further said police officers arrived several hours later despite being alerted immediately after the attack.

The incident comes weeks after a standoff between Nyakera and the LBDA over alleged rent arrears for the property, which he has operated since 2019.

The authority had earlier attempted to evict him from the premises citing unpaid rent, but Nyakera moved to the Business Premises and Rent Tribunal, which allowed him to regain access to the hotel pending determination of the dispute.

Nyakera said he holds a 25-year lease for the property and has invested more than Ksh235 million in developing the facility. He acknowledged that there is an outstanding rent dispute linked to the Covid-19 period but said the matter is already before the tribunal.

“The court ruled that there should be no eviction and allowed us back into the premises. We have a hearing scheduled on March 16 where the issue of rent will be determined,” he said.

Nyakera alleged that property worth more than Ksh50 million had been lost during the dispute, including items he claims were previously removed from the hotel during an earlier eviction attempt. He also accused senior government officers of interfering with the dispute – allegations that could not be independently verified.

Nyakera said operations will continue despite the attack, citing the need to protect the jobs of 84 staff members working at the facility.

“We will continue operating because we have a valid lease and licences. Closing would mean sending all our staff home,” Nyakera said.

Police officers from Obunga Police Station and from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nyanza Regional headquarters dusted the hotel for fingerprints and reviewed CCTV footage in a bid to nab the invaders.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chris Mahandara