Dawn gunfire at Kisumu hotel as Nyakera claims goon attack

A photo collage of a damaged car at the Kisumu Hotel owned by former PS Irungu Nyakera./HANDOUT

Nairobi governor aspirant Irungu Nyakera has claimed that more than 100 people attacked his hotel in Kisumu at dawn, damaging property and injuring staff.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) patron said the group stormed the premises at about 5:00am, during which a female security guard was tied up and other workers injured.

The former PS said he rushed out after hearing the commotion and fired two shots in the air as the attackers fled.

He added that he contacted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) to request police backup, but said officers had not arrived an hour later.

Nyakera said he later sent a message to the police warning that he would shoot anyone who attempted to enter the property.

“I called the OCS and asked for backup, but an hour later, when no backup was forthcoming, I sent him a message that I intended to shoot anyone stepping into my property,” Nyakera said.

However, Nyanza regional police commander Evelyn Gisiri said Nyakera had not reported the incident. She, however, said police are investigating the said incident.

“Let him report the incident for more police action,” she said.

Nyakera claimed that during the incident, property of an unspecified value was destroyed and several staff members working at the hotel were injured.

"At 5:00am 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.

He also referred to a separate incident about three weeks ago in which he said a group of people entered the premises, removed merchandise and locked him out.

Nyakera said he took over the property as an unfinished structure in 2019 and has since invested more than Sh235 million in developing it, according to court records.

He added that he holds a 50-year lease on the property. Nyakera said he remains committed to the investment despite the incidents.

More to follow..