The National Association of Kenya Auctioneers (NAKA) has distanced itself from an incident in which a hotel on the Kenyan coast was raided by unknown people.
In a statement to the media, NAKA also took issue with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua who’d suggested the raid at Pinewood Beach resort in Diani, some 40km from Mombasa, was carried out by Auctioneers.
“We want to distance ourselves from the actions that happened at the hotel pitting the owners and the receivers manager, we are not party to the suit or the ongoing dispute, since auctioneers are guided by the law,” NAKA’s statement, signed by Maurice Osundwa of Mamuka Auctioneers, read in part.
NAKA further indicated that whoever conducted the raid did not do so in an appropriate manner.
“We execute orders of the court and our practice rule requires that an auctioneer has a duty to behave in a number befitting as an officer of the court and so should his agents, employers, and staff during the execution of any lawful court orders.”
“We are aware of the negative perception of auctioneers but we want to reiterate we are always invited into a dispute by a letter of instruction from either party or a court order clearly directing us on what to do.
“In the same breath, It is wrong for CS Alfred Mutua to make such insinuation on his X page (formerly Twitter) that the attackers were auctioneers when the complainer has not stated as such. So we implore the investigative agencies, the police to act with speed and bring the perpetrators of the act to book.”
In an elaborate statement on X, Mutua, whose docket entails the growth of the tourism sector, condemned the incident and promised ‘stern action’.
He said: “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.”
In the incident that attracted public outcry, goons recently carried out a terror-like attack at the hotel which is frequented by local and international tourists.
CCTV footage captured the goons forcefully gaining entry to the hotel from the main gate and at the beachside and indiscriminately attacking anyone in sight while destroying property.
In an interesting twist of events, Nairobi News understands police arrested 13 suspects in relation to the incident but later released them. None of them has yet been arraigned in court.
