One killed, scores injured in Nairobi eviction chaos
A police officer stands guard at Caxton House in Nairobi on March 4, 2015, after a gang of youths broke into the building and stole property. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL
Property worth millions of shillings was stolen early Wednesday during a violent tenant eviction at Caxton House, a building on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi.
According to eye witnesses, a gang of about 100 youths armed with crude weapons invaded the building at 4am, cordoned off the area with iron sheets before destroying everything that was in the building.
“Between 4.30am and 5am, we got a phone call that people had come to our premises and were looting stores,” said Anand Dave Director at Sai Office Supplies Limited. “It was a big group, armed with machetes and clubs. We rushed to the police for help but found other law enforcement units on the ground. One of the thugs was shot dead in the process.”
An unidentified tenant was reported to have been injured in the melee along with several other people.
Stationery shops Seal Honey and Office Matt, who have been tenants at Caxton House for decades, suffered massive losses during the incident.
“All expensive items have been selectively taken away. Whatever is on the floor is badly damaged and (trampled). They have broken all my shelving, furniture and everything. I can’t sell anything here,” Mr Dave told the Business Daily. Sai Office supplies own Office Matt.
Computers, stationery machines and hotel equipment were stolen. All offices on the three-floored building were also broken into and property destroyed.
Business premises on ground floor, on the Koinange Street side, including an Equity Bank branch were, however, spared.
Tenants blamed the incident on a dispute between property managers and the owner of the building. They said the two parties have been squaring off in court for some time over control of the property.
Seven days ago, there were reports of an explosion and a small fire at Caxton House, reportedly caused by a gas leak.
Speaking to Daily Nation on Wednesday, OCPD Central police station Paul Wanjama said the property owner had obtained a court order restraining tenants from accessing the building.
The tenants, however, said the court order had not been served to them.
“They said they had a court order to barricade the building and restrict access. But nothing has been served to anyone,” said Mr Dave. “We are in the hub of CBD. How can this happen in broad daylight? What protection is there for businesses.”
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