CS Mutua Intervenes As Airbnb Turns Tables In Starlet Wahu, Roysambu Murders

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced tougher measures to enhance safety in short-stay accommodations, popularly known as Airbnbs, in the wake of two murders reported in the homestays in a week.

In a statement on Tuesday, January 16, CS Mutua noted with great concern the recent unfortunate criminal incidents occurring in the short-stay accommodation sector. The criminal incidents culminated in the brutal murders of Instagram influencer Starlet Wahu and the macabre killing of a 20-year-old at TRM Drive at Roysambu in Nairobi.

"As the Ministry mandated to act as the key regulator of Kenya's Tourism Sector through the Tourism Regulatory Authority, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of all stakeholders.

"Aligned with Section 7 of the Tourism Act No.28 of 2011, our responsibilities encompass registering, licensing, and grading sustainable tourism and related activities, including services provided by cottages and private residences engaged in guest house services. Furthermore, we are dedicated to formulating regulations, standards, and guidelines essential for comprehensive quality service delivery in the tourism sector. Your safety and satisfaction remain our top priorities," the statement read in part.

Mutua added that regrettably, incidents involving Kenyan citizens in accommodation facilities booked through online platforms have occurred.

Several platforms have distanced themselves from these isolated cases, including the parent company, Airbnb, which emphasized that the incidents are unrelated to accommodations booked through the platform.

Mutua announced that his Ministry would institute enhanced compliance as well as take legal action against anyone found violating the tourism authority's laws.

"It is our assurance that hospitality services in Kenya are generally safe. However, we urge the public to verify the registration and license status of facilities to ensure compliance with already outlined directives by the government and maintain quality standards.

"To uphold the integrity of our tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Tourism Regulatory Authority, will rigorously enforce compliance, taking legal action against any violations of TRA licensing laws. Late renewals will be subject to penalties and other consequences as stipulated by law," he added.

Furthermore, in alignment with the Government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for improved business practices, the Ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of current TRA regulations.

The Ministry has also announced its intention to subject the revised regulations to a public participation exercise, welcoming input from tourism and hospitality stakeholders aimed at fostering closer partnerships with accommodation providers.

"Together, we aim to restore and strengthen the confidence of visitors in the safety and security of our diverse and beautiful accommodation facilities," he added.

On its part, Airbnb revealed in a statement on its website that "Over the past week, Kenya has witnessed two heinous crimes in the city of Nairobi. We are saddened and shocked to learn of these events, and our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones during this difficult time."

"We can confirm that neither of these events were connected to stays on Airbnb."

According to Airbnb, the properties where the brutal murders occurred had no bookings registered on the platform for the reported dates, and the persons of interest in both cases did not have registered accounts.

Nonetheless, Airbnb disclosed that it was willing to support local law enforcement with any ongoing investigations.

Both statements came moments after the arrest of three suspects in the murder of the 20-year-old woman in Roysambu. One of them was a Nigerian national arrested while trying to leave the country for Abuja.

For the Starlet Wahu murder case, the main suspect, John Matara, was arrested on Friday, January 5 with police investigating the matter granted 21 days to hold the suspect, amidst a cluster of explosive accounts from his victims surfacing after the murder was reported.