Tourism Cabinet Secretary(CS) Alfred Mutua on Monday condemned an incident where goons stormed Pinewood Beach Resort in Diani causing panic and fear amongst guests.
Speaking on the X app, Mutua noted that such actions shall not be tolerated, vowing stern actions against the perpetrators.
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.
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) November 27, 2023
The hotel is at the center of a legal battle since KCB wants to take over the administration.
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However, a Mombasa-based High Court has ordered the hotel to remain closed until the case against its planned shift is heard and decided.
The Mombasa High Court scheduled the case's mention date for January 9, 2024. Justice Peter Mulwa issued it.
As per the hotel management, this was the second event that resulted in multiple personnel injuries and had the potential to damage the firm severely.
Guests of the hotel, which currently welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe, reported lost goods worth an undisclosed sum.
According to a statement on Sunday by Pinewood Resort Managing Director Alnoor Kanji, he accused a receiver-manager of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) of being behind the violent attack.
“We are grateful that none was killed,” he said of the November 17 attack that forced police to fire in the air, to restore peace and order.
“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.”
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