This archive report was first published on 11 May 2021.
On May 6, 2021, Chris Indeche, the General Manager of Kaskazi Beach Hotel in Diani, Kwale, was dragged by over 40 employees demanding their pay. The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media.
According to Indeche, the employees surrounded him while he was having breakfast, demanding their salaries. He informed them that the hotel owners had assured him they would pay them once funds were available, but they did not listen.
"Some employees suddenly appeared at my table and surrounded me. They were demanding their salaries and I informed them that the hotel owners had assured me they would pay them once funds are available but they did not listen," Indeche said.
Indeche reported the assault to Diani Police Station and was issued with a police abstract slip. However, only one of the attackers was briefly arrested and later released under unclear circumstances.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has ordered the arrest of the perpetrators, stating that "Nobody is above the law and such acts of impunity will be met with the full force of the law." The National Association of Hotel Professionals-Kenya (AHPK) has condemned the acts, calling them a "heinous" and "primitive" way to handle disputes.
The Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA) and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) have also denounced the actions, calling for those responsible to face the law.
