Nyakera Claims Over 100 Goons Attacked His Kisumu Hotel in Dawn Raid

Businessman and politician Irungu Nyakera has claimed that more than 100 suspected goons attacked his hotel in Kisumu early Wednesday morning, injuring staff and destroying property in a dramatic predawn incident.

In a statement shared on his social media page, Nyakera said the attackers stormed the premises at around 5:00am, vandalising property and assaulting workers on duty. He alleged that a female security guard was tied up during the raid while other staff members sustained injuries.

Nyakera said he responded after hearing the commotion and chased after the attackers, firing two warning shots in the air, which forced them to flee the compound.

He added that he immediately contacted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) to request police backup, but claimed that no officers had arrived even an hour later. Frustrated by the delay, Nyakera said he later sent a message warning that he would shoot anyone who attempted to enter the property.

The businessman also linked the attack to an earlier incident three weeks ago where he alleged that individuals working alongside the Lake Basin Development Authority removed merchandise from the premises and locked his business out of the building.

Nyakera accused Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of having personal interests in the property and attempting to force him out because of his political affiliation with the Democracy for Citizens Party.

According to Nyakera, he took over the premises as an unfinished structure in 2019 and has since invested over KSh235 million in developing it. He further claims to hold a 50-year lease on the property as documented in court records.

Nyakera maintained that if the government is interested in the property, it should pursue a lawful process.

“If he indeed wants to take over the property, let him come and we do a valuation and I sell it to him. Sending goons here will not drive me away,” he said.