- The hotel said the private function hosted by an embassy, attended by several esteemed international ambassadors and dignitaries, was abruptly disrupted.
- A man, they said, maneuvered two vehicles to barricade the hotel's main entrance, effectively trapping the dignitaries inside for hours.
A team from an Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) was sent to Loresho, Nairobi to rescue several ambassadors trapped inside a Nairobi restaurant on Saturday night.
The envoys were trapped inside the hotel after residents barricaded the facility's entrance protesting against what they described as consistent noise pollution.
“It happened that some of those trapped were envoys and gave a report to suggest they were under siege,” a senior officer who sought anonymity said.
This prompted the release of the ATPU officers to the place.
What happened
In a statement, the hotel said the private function hosted by an embassy, attended by several esteemed international ambassadors and dignitaries, was abruptly disrupted.
They said a resident of the nearby estate, in a severe state of intoxication, aggressively attempted to infiltrate the venue, instigating a profound disturbance.
"Our hotel's security personnel, with utmost urgency and professionalism, intervened to remove the man," part of the statement read.
The man, they said, maneuvered two vehicles to barricade the hotel's main entrance, effectively trapping the dignitaries inside for hours.
"This alarming blockade not only endangered the lives of our esteemed guests but also posed a severe security threat, given the high-profile nature of the attendees."
The volatile and violent demeanor of the man precipitated a state of panic and fear among the guests and staff, creating an atmosphere of terror.
The hotel said the move by the resident was a serious security breach.
They said the dignitaries, confined in a state of uncertainty and shock for hours, were subjected to a situation no person should ever endure.
"The alarming concern for the safety of the numerous international diplomats in the hotel caused serious panic, and family and friends raised the alarm to the government, necessitating the prompt response of the anti-terror police," they said.
"Their bravery in diffusing this perilous situation cannot be overstated."
The management apologised to the affected dignitaries and the residents promising to adhere to the noise control guidelines and ensure all their events conclude by 10 pm.
However, this incident transcended a noise issue, evolving into a dire security crisis.