Man Charged for Vandalizing Kisumu Hotel Recovered by EACC
A man has been arrested and charged after allegedly vandalizing a high-value hotel in Kisumu recently recovered by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Geoffrey Oguna Ajwang appeared before the Maseno Law Courts, facing charges of malicious damage and theft involving the Hydeout Rivera Hotel, located in West Seme, Kisumu County. The hotel, valued at Ksh.176 million, had been under the custody of the EACC after being seized from a former Nairobi City County official over corruption claims.
According to police reports, Ajwang—who is reportedly related to Michael Auka Ajwang, the hotel’s former owner—was accused of breaking into the property and stealing 10 wooden door frames and 2 aluminum door frames worth Ksh.60,000.
The incident took place on May 26, 2025, in Konywera Village, East Reru Sub-location. During the hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution stated that the accused was found in possession of the items, believed to be stolen, and not acquired in the course of any lawful activity.
“...otherwise than in the course of stealing, dishonestly retained 10 wooden door frames and 2 aluminum door frames knowing or having reason to believe that they were stolen goods,” read part of the charge sheet.
Ajwang was released on a Ksh.120,000 bond or cash bail of Ksh.60,000 pending trial.
Public Tip-Off Led to Arrest
The suspect was arrested on Monday after members of the public alerted EACC that the property was being vandalized. Upon investigation, the Commission compiled a report and handed it over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the charges.
Background: Hotel Linked to Corruption Case
The Hydeout Rivera Hotel had been recovered by EACC in August 2023 from Michael Auka Ajwang, a former Procurement Officer at Nairobi City County, who is under investigation for illicit enrichment. EACC had filed a case seeking to recover over Ksh.537 million in unexplained wealth from him.
As part of a legal settlement, the hotel and other assets were surrendered to the government. The Commission was in the process of formally transferring the hotel into state ownership when the vandalism occurred.
Ongoing Watch on Public Assets
This incident highlights the challenges faced in securing assets recovered from corruption cases. Authorities have reiterated the importance of public vigilance and swift legal action to protect public property.