One of the houses on the shores of Lake Naivasha which have been vandalised by gangs that have been targeting structures submerged in water due to a rise in water levels in the lake. The most affected are homeowners, hoteliers and flower farmers with youths using the cover of darkness to vandalize the property every evening. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Landowners around Lake Naivasha have raised the alarm over increased cases of vandalism and robbery targeting submerged structures.

Homeowners, hoteliers and flower farmers are counting losses as youth use the cover of darkness to vandalise the property almost daily.

Residents of Kihoto estate, which has also been flooded due to a rise in water levels, have not been spared, with the organised gangs making away with doors and windows from the abandoned houses.

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Yesterday security officers toured the affected area, with L Naivasha Boat Owners Association offering boats for night patrols.

Dominic Cunnigham, the Hippo Point proprietor, said the 30-man gang raided the facility, for the umpteenth time, on Tuesday night, and made away with more than 100m of power cable after threatening his security officers.

“One of my security officers is admitted to hospital after he was attacked by this gang. This issue is now out of control and needs urgent action,” he said.

Peter Mehta, the Crayfish Hotel CEO, said his submerged house was also vandalised by youths on boats targeting abandoned property.

“They raided my houses and carted way windows, sinks and other effects before turning into nearby flower farms and also vandalising green houses and electrical equipment,” he said.

Lake Naivasha Boat Owners Association The chairman of David Kilo acknowledged that the vandalism cases were worrying. He attributed this to lack of patrols on Lake Naivasha. He said the association would offer three boats to assist security officers in their patrols.

Naivasha Sub-county commissioner Mathioya Mbogo said the Hippo Point attack had been reported at Kongoni police station and was being investigated.