Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson Irungu Nyakera has claimed that a group of unidentified individuals stormed his hotel business premises in Kisumu, leaving the property damaged and staff injured.

Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Nairobi patron claimed that more than 100 individuals raided the premises at around 5:00 am, vandalising property and assaulting workers at the establishment.

According to Nyakera, the attackers tied up a female security guard during the incident as they destroyed the facility.

“At 5:00 am today, over 100 goons attacked my hotel in Kisumu, damaging property and injuring our staff, including tying up the security lady,” Nyakera stated.

Warning shots fired

The Nairobi County governor hopeful said he responded after hearing the commotion from the premises and confronted the group as they attempted to flee.

“Upon hearing the commotion, I quickly went after them, shooting twice in the air as they fled,” he said.

He said he immediately contacted the local police station seeking assistance, but claimed that no security officers had arrived an hour later.

Frustrated by the delay, Nyakera said he later sent a message to the Officer Commanding Station warning that he would defend his property if the attackers returned.

“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. I hope he shared the message in their security WhatsApp group,” he stated.

Property acquisition

The businessman maintained that he legally acquired the premises in 2019 and has since invested heavily in developing the property.

He added that he holds a 50-year lease agreement for the property and challenged anyone interested in taking over the facility to pursue a formal valuation and purchase process instead of using intimidation.

“I took over this premises as a shell in 2019 and have invested over 235 million as per court records, and I hold a 50-year lease on this property,” he argued.

However, Nyakera claimed that no officer had arrived at the scene of the incident, almost four hours later. He also claims that the attack is politically motivated.

“Four hours later, not a single police officer has arrived. Orders from above. Being in DCP, or in opposition, is a crime in this country. Let that sink in,” Nyakera issued an update via X, in which he attached CCTV footage capturing the incident.

Lake Basin Development Authority’s response

In response to Irungu Nyakera’s claims, LBDA clarified that the landlord-tenant relationship with the property, Fairways, 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.

LBDA further noted that Fairways was occupying the premises unlawfully.

“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. CR12 attached,” LBDA’s statement read in part.

The Lake Basin Development Authority, moreover, called for a thorough probe into the shooting incident at the facility.

“We call upon the police to immediately initiate investigations as to the actions of the said party, who has made declarations that he is ready to shoot anyone at the premises and who has confirmed that he has fired two shots, yet he has no right in the property.”

By the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the claimed attack.