Former Devolution and Planning Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera allegedly fired warning shots on Wednesday morning, March 11, after a group of attackers stormed his hotel in Kisumu.
According to Nyakera, over 100 individuals attacked the hotel, causing property damage and injuring staff members.
The former PS was at the hotel during the incident and reportedly chased the attackers, firing two warning shots into the air to drive them away.
Irungu Nyakera allegedly fires warning shots in Kisumu attack. Photo: Courtesy.
The attack left staff members injured and property damaged, including the tying up of a security officer.
Authorities are yet to release a detailed report on the incident.
“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. Upon hearing the commotion, I quickly went after them, shooting twice in the air as they fled,” Nyakera claimed.
Following the incident, Nyakera said he contacted the OCS for backup, but no assistance arrived. He later warned that he would take action against anyone entering his property without permission.
The former PS also claimed that a similar attack occurred weeks earlier, when alleged goons accompanied by the landlord reportedly stormed the premises, removed merchandise, and locked staff out.
Nyakera suggested that a senior government official had instructed that he should not occupy the government-owned building because of his political affiliation.
Nyakera has held the premises since 2019 under a 50-year lease.
The former Devolution and Planning PS stated that he has invested over Ksh235 million into the hotel since taking over the premises in 2019, which he holds under a 50-year lease.
He indicated that any attempt to take over the property could be resolved through proper valuation and sale.
Nyakera has been a vocal critic of the current government since his dismissal from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson role.
He was removed from the position by President William Ruto, as announced in a gazette notice on April 1, 2025.
