A beach gazebo owned by Dhahabu Village in Mambrui, Malindi, was destroyed in a fire on October 2, 2026, reigniting concerns about the security of tourism and community investments in the coastal area. The incident, described as the third such attack in recent months, has prompted calls for transparency and accountability from local residents and investors.
The fire, which occurred at approximately 11:30pm, was reported by Dhahabu Village owner Sara Centofanti, who stated that three individuals were allegedly involved in setting the structure ablaze. Centofanti noted that the security guard stationed at the gazebo was inside shortly before the incident but managed to escape unharmed before the fire engulfed the structure. 'I am deeply sorry to have to inform you that last night, three people set fire to our beach gazebo,' she said. 'Around 11:30pm, they completely burned down our beach gazebo. Luckily, our security guard was not inside the gazebo.'
Centofanti emphasized that the attack was not an isolated incident, marking the third time such a structure has been targeted in Mambrui. She alleged that the destruction was intended to undermine broader efforts by investors, employees, and community members to develop the area. 'We want to know who is behind this problem because it is not the first time; it is the third time,' she said. The attackers also reportedly tore down sun shades, with intervention efforts arriving too late to salvage the gazebo.
The security guard, who witnessed the perpetrators, was unable to identify them, according to Centofanti. Police have been notified and are investigating the incident, though no arrests have been reported. Centofanti urged authorities to disclose their findings, arguing that Mambrui's potential for tourism and environmental conservation hinges on peace and cooperation. 'Mambrui deserves development, collaboration, and peace. Let us protect the goodwill we have worked so hard to build,' she said.
Abdala Salim, a local resident, condemned the fire, calling it a serious threat to a community that has benefited from Dhahabu Village's initiatives. He highlighted the organization's efforts to mobilize over 560 community members through beach clean-ups, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihood programs. 'It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the burning of the beach gazebo owned by Dhahabu Village in Mambrui,' Salim said. He called on Kenyan and Kilifi County authorities, security agencies, and tourism stakeholders to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Salim stressed that if the fire was deliberately caused, those responsible should face legal consequences. 'If investigations establish that the fire was deliberately caused, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law,' he said. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the security of investments in Mambrui, an area with significant potential for tourism and environmental preservation.
Residents and investors have expressed frustration over the recurring attacks, which they argue threaten the region's progress. Centofanti and Salim both emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard community efforts. 'Mambrui's future depends on unity and security,' Salim added. 'Without these, the investments and initiatives we've built will be at risk.'
The fire has also drawn attention to the broader challenges facing coastal communities in Kenya, where tourism and conservation projects often face disruptions from insecurity. As the investigation continues, stakeholders remain hopeful that transparency and accountability will restore confidence in the area's development prospects.