A tense wave of fear swept through Kaburengu on Wednesday night after Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala issued a dramatic alert claiming that a group of armed individuals, allegedly accompanied by police officers, had stormed the Downhill Hotel where former KMPDU Secretary-General Hon. Seth Panyako was spending the night.
According to Malala, the attackers arrived at the hotel under the cover of darkness and launched a violent operation that left guests terrified. Reports indicate that the hotel’s gatekeeper was allegedly killed during the initial confrontation, a detail that triggered widespread shock among residents and online users.
The Downhill Hotel, located at the busy Kaburengu Junction along the Kakamega–Webuye highway, is a popular stopover for travelers due to its strategic location. On this particular night, however, it became the center of a disturbing incident that has raised serious questions about security, political intimidation, and the role of law enforcement agencies.
Malala claimed that the group, which he described as “government goons,” was working under the protection of police officers. He alleged that they forcefully attempted to break into the rooms where Panyako was sleeping, suggesting that the attack may have been politically motivated. The claims sparked immediate reactions on social media, with Kenyans expressing shock, anger, and fear over the growing trend of night-time raids targeting political figures.
The Senator called upon residents, leaders, and supporters to wake up and rush to the scene, emphasizing the urgency of protecting Panyako’s life. His message, delivered in the middle of the night, created a sense of national alarm as many questioned how such a bold attack could take place despite the heavy presence of security agencies in the region.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the police regarding the alleged incident. Key questions remain unanswered:
- Who were the attackers?
- What was their motive?
- Was the security apparatus involved or caught off-guard?
The unfolding situation has also ignited a broader conversation about the safety of political actors in Kenya. Night raids and intimidation tactics have featured repeatedly in Kenyan political history, often surfacing during periods of heightened tension.
Kenyans across social media have demanded transparency, accountability, and immediate action from the government to establish what truly happened at the Downhill Hotel that night. For many, this incident is not just about Hon. Seth Panyako—it is a test of the country’s commitment to justice, rule of law, and the protection of all its citizens regardless of political affiliation.
As investigations await official confirmation, the nation remains alert, hoping that clarity will emerge and that those responsible for the violence, if confirmed, will face justice.
