This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Published on May 22, 2020, a rise in water levels in Lake Naivasha has led to an increase in vandalism cases, with residents counting losses.
Homeowners, hoteliers, and flower farmers around the lake have been affected, with youths using the cover of darkness to vandalize properties almost daily.
Residents of Kihoto estate, which has also been flooded, have not been spared, with organized gangs making away with doors and windows from abandoned houses.
Security officers toured the affected area, and the Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association offered boats for night patrols.
According to Dominic Cunnigham, the Hippo Point proprietor, a 30-man gang raided the facility on Tuesday night, making away with over 100m of power cable after threatening his security officers.
“One of my security officers is admitted to hospital after he was attacked by this gang. This issue is now out of control and needs urgent action,” Cunnigham said.
Peter Mehta, the Crayfish Hotel CEO, also reported that his submerged house was vandalized by youths on boats targeting abandoned property.
“They raided my houses and carted away windows, sinks, and other effects before turning into nearby flower farms and also vandalizing greenhouses and electrical equipment,” Mehta said.
David Kilo, the chairman of the Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association, acknowledged that the vandalism cases were worrying and attributed them to a lack of patrols on Lake Naivasha.
The association offered three boats to assist security officers in their patrols.
Sub-county commissioner Mathioya Mbogo said the Hippo Point attack had been reported at Kongoni police station and was being investigated.
