Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has broken silence after goons attacked staff and guests at the Pinewood Beach Resort in Diani, Kwale County.
In a statement via his X handle on Monday, November 27, CS Mutua said the government will take stern action against individuals who were involved in the attack.
“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 & civility are key to encourage and not deter visitors,” the Tourism CS stated.
The incident which happened on November 17 left Pinewoods Beach Resort staff and guests injured with some losing valuables of unknown amounts. Police officers were forced to fire in the air to deescalate the situation.
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Pinewood Managing Director Alnoor Kanji in a statement on Sunday linked the attack to a KCB receiver of the English Point Marina.
"Without the protection of armed police and the courage of our staff, this may not have been the case. Tourist police had to intervene with gunfire while our staff were forced to fight the attackers head-on," Kanji said.
The hotel owner claimed that the attack was meant to bring down the facility, at a time when the country’s tourism sector is in a recovery mode.
Pinewood Beach Resort is currently in a legal dispute with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) which is seeking to takeover its management due toa bad debt.
The Mombasa High Court had issued an injunction blocking KCB from taking over until a case filed by the hotel management is heard and determined. The case is set to be mentioned on January 9, 2024.
