KWALE, Kenya, Nov 28- Industry players within Kenya’s tourism sector are up in arms, demanding for the immediate arrest and prosecution of suspects who staged a brutal attack at Pinewood Beach Resort.
More than a week later, the dozens of suspects including 13 who were arrested and released on police bond have not been charged in court.
Victory Global Impact Ltd, the official organizers and conveners of Regional Hospitality Leadership Summit has expressed concerns that such incidents are likely to reoccur, if no action is taken.
“I’m just shocked that these goons went ahead and attacked even the Guests and staff. This is very unfortunate for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in the Region,” the convenors said in a statement.
Victory Global Impact Ltd Managing Director Enock Alumasi has warned such incidents are likely to hurt the fragile industry, which is still recovering from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We shall be discussing Hotel Crisis and Emergency Preparedness at the Second Regional Hospitality Leadership Summit to assist Hotel Owners and General Managers on how to develop a Crisis Management team and implement an Emergency Preparedness Plan in the Hotel,” Alumasi said in a statement on Tuesday.
During the November 17 attack, the prestigious hotel was hosting 60 tourists from the United Kingdom, who were caught up in the violence.
Some were captured on CCTV footage scampering for safety, as armed goons, linked to a receiver manager of KCB indiscriminately attacked everyone on sight.
Several hotel staff sustained injuries, while valuables worth an unknown amount, and belonging to the guests were stolen.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua has since assured of a stern action against the goons and their masterminds, even though little has been done.
”I have noted with concern the violence at Pinewood Beach Resort by hired goons. This behavior by receivers & auctioneers against hotels & restaurants will not be tolerated. Stern action is being taken. Upholding of the law and civility are key to encourage and not deter visitors,” the Cabinet Secretary said on a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The hotel is in the middle of a legal suit, as the Kenya Commercial Bank seeks to take over its management, through its receiver manager.
But the hotel has since secured injunction orders until the matter is heard and determined.
“Their goal was to destroy, pillage and kill,” the hotel owner and Managing Director Alnoor Kanji said of the November 17 incident.
“The attackers overwhelmed us from the main gate and beach. They beat our staff and robbed our guests in broad daylight.”
A similar incident had occurred in early August at the facility.
“We are grateful that no one was killed,” Kanji said.
Several other tourism stakeholders and more so within the coastal region have condemned the incident, and called for the arrest and prosecution of the goons, and those who hired them.
