Former Devolution Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera addressing journalists at the Hotel in Kisumu on March 11, 2026./ Faith Matete Fairways Hotel in Kisumu was attacked by goons on Wednesday morning./ Faith Matete Fairways Hotel in Kisumu was attacked by goons on Wednesday morning./Faith Matete Fairways Hotel in Kisumu was attacked by goons on Wednesday morning./Faith Matete Fairways Hotel in Kisumu was attacked by goons on Wednesday morning. Faith Matete
Former Devolution Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has claimed that his hotel in Kisumu suffered losses running into about Sh50 million over the past two months following alleged vandalism and an ongoing property dispute.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Fairways Hotel, Kisumu, Nyakera said some hotel property, including electronic equipment and items from the conference facilities, had previously been removed during earlier confrontations related to the dispute.
The revelation came hours after an incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning, when Nyakera reported that dozens of suspected goons allegedly stormed the premises, overpowering security guards.
“When I came downstairs, I found the place had been completely vandalised,” he said, adding that furniture in the restaurant had been overturned, the bar ransacked, and alcoholic drinks taken with bottles scattered across the floor.
The businessman linked the attack to a protracted dispute over the property where the hotel sits.
Nyakera said his company leased the land in 2019 and invested heavily to transform what was previously an abandoned structure into a functioning hotel employing about 84 staff.
“I took a loan to put up the conference hall and develop the infrastructure here,” he said, noting that the dispute largely relates to rent arrears accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the hotel was closed for several months.
However, the Lake Basin Development Authority, which owns the property where the hotel sits, has said it has no agreement with the former PS.
“The LBDA has no known relationship with any party called Irungu Nyakera, as the previous agreement was with an institution called Fairways Hospitality Kisumu Limited,” LBDA said in a statement.
“LBDA clarifies that the landlord-tenant relationship was lawfully terminated on February 12, 2026, following formal termination notices served in accordance with the Lease Agreement and as per the orders of the High Court. Fairways is currently an unlawful occupant and is trespassing on LBDA premises.”
Nyakera said his monthly rent is Sh1.7 million, and the matter is currently before a tribunal, with hearings scheduled later this month.
“Despite the losses and the vandalism, we have not closed. We will continue serving our staff and guests,” he said, calling for the rule of law to prevail.
“We cannot allow the country to slide into lawlessness. The matter is already in court, and that is where it should be resolved,” Nyakera added.
CCTV footage obtained by The Star shows a group of men, some armed with knives and pangas, moving through the bar section after breaking glass doors and the wooden entrance.
The footage also captures them disconnecting electrical wires and taking items from the fridge and counter before moving to other parts of the hotel.
Nyakera said he later saw several individuals leaving the premises on motorbikes.
“When I went to the security area, I found one of the guards had been tied up and hidden in a room,” he said.
He alleged that the attackers gained access through the neighbouring premises before jumping over the fence and opening the main gate to allow more people inside.
The former PS said he contacted police shortly after the incident, but claimed officers arrived several hours later.
“As you have seen, the police arrived about five hours after the incident,” he said.
Nyakera said he fired warning shots to disperse the group when they allegedly attempted to return, and a nearby police officer later joined him to secure the premises and ensure the safety of hotel guests.
The incident, Nyakera said, adds to financial and operational strain caused by an ongoing dispute.
He explained that previous confrontations had already resulted in the removal of key equipment from the hotel, disrupting day-to-day operations.
Despite the challenges, Nyakera emphasised that the hotel would continue to operate.
“We are committed to keeping the hotel running because we have staff and guests depending on us,” he said.
Nyakera stressed that he will follow the court process and urged that the matter be resolved within the framework of the law.
“This is not just about property. It is about protecting investments, jobs, and the integrity of business operations,” he said, highlighting the broader implications for business confidence in Kisumu.