Fresh details have emerged about a violent attack that sparked an online uproar late last year, following an incident at Pinewood Resort that left several people injured, with some fighting for their lives in the hospital.
A local activist, Moses Jaoko, alleged that the chaos, involving over 100 armed individuals wielding machetes and crude weapons, was a calculated attempt by KCB Bank CEO Paul Russo to forcibly take over the property.
The resort, located in Diani, Kwale County, has been the center of legal disputes for years.
The attack occurred on November 17, 2023, when armed goons stormed Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa, injuring staff and guests.
The attackers, armed with machetes and sticks, raided the resort in broad daylight, entering from both the main entrance and the beachfront in a coordinated assault.
Staff were beaten, guests were robbed, and the chaos lasted for hours until police intervened by firing into the air to disperse the assailants.
Jaoko accused Russo and KCB Bank’s appointed receiver manager of orchestrating the attack, which stems from a KSh 5 billion loan dispute linked to English Point Marina, another property owned by the same family behind Pinewood Resort.
Despite a court order barring any takeover attempts until the case was decided, the attack proceeded, highlighting what many see as the bank’s disregard for the law.
The resort’s owner, Alnoor Kanji, condemned the violent actions, claiming they were part of a plan to forcefully take control of the property. Kanji expressed concern about the safety of his business and the increasing number of similar attacks.
In May 2023, ITCO Investment Ltd., which runs Pinewood Resort, moved to the Court of Appeal to block a KCB receiver manager from taking over the establishment, arguing that the property was not an asset charged under KCB’s debenture.
The suspects arrested for their involvement in the attack were reportedly released quickly, further fueling suspicions of corporate influence and corruption.
