Summary
- Irungu Nyakera says he fired warning shots after over 100 alleged goons stormed his hotel in Kisumu early Wednesday.
- The attackers reportedly injured staff, tied up a female guard, and damaged property.
- Nyakera has accused unnamed government officials of orchestrating the attack due to his political affiliation.
NAIROBI, Kenya— Gun drama unfolded in Kisumu in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, after former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera allegedly fired warning shots into the air to scare off suspected goons who had stormed his hotel.
Nyakera, who is also the patron of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and a Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, claimed that more than 100 attackers raided the facility, assaulted workers and vandalised property during the early morning incident.
According to Nyakera, the group tied up a female security guard before proceeding to damage sections of the hotel.
Nyakera Says He Fired Warning Shots
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Nyakera said he was present at the hotel when the attack happened.
He claimed he rushed outside after hearing the commotion and fired two warning shots into the air as the attackers fled the scene.
“At 5am today, over 100 goons attacked my hotel in Kisumu, damaging property and injuring our staff, including tying up the security lady. Upon hearing the commotion, I quickly went after them, shooting twice in the air as they fled,” Nyakera said.
The politician also claimed several staff members were injured during the incident and that property of an unspecified value was destroyed.
Claims of Delayed Police Response
Nyakera further alleged that attempts to seek help from local police were unsuccessful.
He claimed he contacted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in the area requesting backup but assistance did not arrive.
“I called the OCS and asked for backup, but an hour later, when no backup was forthcoming, I sent him a message that I intend to shoot anyone stepping into my property,” he stated.
Nyakera added that he hoped the message was shared within the police security communication channels.
Authorities had not issued an official response to the claims at the time of publication.
Politician Links Attack to Political Rivalry
The former PS has also linked the incident to political tensions surrounding his affiliation with the opposition.
Nyakera alleged that some government officials were behind the attempt to force him out of the hotel, which is located at the Lake Basin Development Authority Mall.
According to him, security officials previously informed him that a government Principal Secretary had allegedly instructed that he should not continue operating in the building because of his association with the opposition.
Similar Incident Reported Weeks Earlier
Nyakera further revealed that the hotel had experienced a similar incident about three weeks ago, when suspected goons reportedly raided the premises.
During that incident, he claimed the attackers stole merchandise and temporarily locked management out of the property.
The latest incident has now raised concerns about security around the business premises as investigations continue.
