In November 2023, a violent incident took place at Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa in Diani, Kwale County.
Armed goons stormed the resort, injuring staff and guests in what appears to have been an attempt by KCB Bank CEO Paul Russo to take control of the property.
Moses Jaoko, a local activist, has publicly exposed Russo to the attack, revealing how the bank allegedly used these violent tactics in a bid to seize the hotel.
The incident, which happened on November 17, 2023, has caused public outrage and raised serious concerns about corporate misconduct.
The attackers, armed with machetes and sticks, raided the resort in broad daylight.
They came from both the main entrance and the beachfront in a well-coordinated assault. According to reports, the assailants beat staff members and robbed guests, including international tourists.
The chaos lasted for hours, and the police had to intervene, firing into the air to control the situation.
Several staff members were injured, and many guests lost valuables in the attack.
Jaoko has accused Paul Russo and KCB Bank’s appointed receiver manager of orchestrating this violent takeover attempt.
This stems from a dispute over a KSh 5 billion loan linked to the English Point Marina, another property owned by the same family behind Pinewood Resort.
Despite a court order that barred any takeover attempts until the case was decided, the attack occurred, highlighting the bank’s disregard for the law.
The resort’s owner, Alnoor Kanji, has publicly condemned the attack, claiming that the violent actions were part of a plan to forcefully take control of the resort.
Kanji expressed concern about the safety of his business and the increasing number of similar attacks.
Despite the court’s ruling, the attackers were able to proceed without fear of legal repercussions.
Some of the suspects arrested for their involvement were quickly released, further fueling suspicions of corporate influence and corruption.
The incident has sparked outrage not only in Diani but also among tourism stakeholders, both locally and internationally.
Many now question the safety of investing in Kenya’s tourism sector, given the growing reports of violence and intimidation linked to business disputes.
The attack at Pinewood Resort, which directly affected tourists, has tarnished the image of the region as a safe travel destination.
There are growing calls for an independent investigation into the role of Paul Russo and KCB Bank in this violent incident.
Many are demanding that those responsible for the attack be held accountable and that businesses in Kenya are protected from similar corporate bullying in the future.
In may, the proprietor of pinewood Resort had moved to the court of Appeal to block a KCB receiver manager from taking over the establishment.
In an application on may 3 ITCO investment LTD which runs the hotel said that Pinewood Resort and Spa is not an asset charged under the debenture by KCB.
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