NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 17 – Airbnb, the U.S.-based platform that enables online promotion of short-term homestays and experiences, has distanced itself from the accommodations where two middle-aged women met with tragic incidents of murder within a span of two weeks in Nairobi.
In a statement, the San Francisco-based company clarified that the incidents, namely the January 6, 2024 murder of socialite Starlet Wahu in Nairobi’s South B area and the subsequent incident involving Rita Waeni, a 20-year-old in the Roysambu area on January 14, 2024, “are not connected to stays booked through Airbnb.”
“The properties in which these crimes took place did not have reservations booked on Airbnb for the dates reported,” said the company adding that “we do not have accounts registered to the names of the accused.”
While highlighting the shortcomings in the Airbnb industry that have frequently resulted in a broad characterization of the business, the company, nevertheless, affirmed its readiness to assist local law enforcement in any ongoing investigations.
“As a business built on trust, safety issues on Airbnb are incredibly rare and we implement measures to maintain safety on the platform in Kenya,” said the company.
As a digital platform, Airbnb emphasized its implementation of stringent regulations governing the eligibility of users for their services.
According to the company, a crucial component of these rules requires both booking guests and primary hosts involved in Airbnb transactions to undergo the identity verification process.
Unfortunately, according to them, this protocol was not adhered to in the two tragic incidents that occurred in Kenya.
“We have zero tolerance for illegal behavior on our platform and we take action on issues brought to our attention, including working with police on criminal investigations through our Law Enforcement Portal and removing bad actors,” the company said.
The company issued its statement amidst varied responses regarding the industry’s regulation, with some advocating for the closure of facilities providing such services.
The nation remains appalled by the two disturbing incidents, drawing condemnation from various sources.
Meanwhile, law enforcement is making progress in their investigations, with the apprehension of John Matara, the primary suspect in the Wahu murder case.
Additionally, three individuals connected to the brutal murder of Waeni have been arrested by the police.
Preliminary reports suggest that they had demanded a ransom of Sh500,000 from her family.
