Police link Nanak House daylight robbery to ownership dispute

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda at a past press conference. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda has linked Sunday's broad daylight robbery at Nanak House in Nairobi to an ongoing ownership conflict over the building.

According to Seda, the property has been at the centre of disputes between its current owner, who recently acquired it from other agencies, and tenants who had occupied the premises before the sale.

The tenants, mostly business operators, had previously secured a tribunal ruling allowing them to remain and continue paying rent as agreed.

"The conflict appears to stem from attempts by the owner to remove the traders, despite the court decision in their favour," Seda said.

Police believe the clash escalated after hired goons stormed the building in an attempt to evict the tenants.

Members of the public, who were present during the incident, confronted the attackers, leading to the arrest of one suspect.

"The suspect was cornered by the public and handed over to the police. She is being processed for court," Seda confirmed.

The police boss warned against the use of hired goons in property disputes, urging aggrieved parties to seek lawful channels to resolve conflicts.

"We have government agencies mandated to address such disputes. No one should resort to unlawful means," Seda said, adding that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.