Prominent businessman Chris Obure has reported threats to his life, citing a
series of escalating incidents tied to a property dispute in Nairobi.
Obure, speaking outside the Kilimani Police Station on Monday, accused some individuals of targeting him and his staff.
Flanked by his lawyer, veteran advocate Gitobu Imanyara, Obure claimed that
a group of individuals had taken the law into their own hands.
Imanyara urged authorities to investigate the matter urgently, warning
against the return of lawlessness in civil disputes.
"Because of the urgency of the matter that
has befallen him, where a group of people have invaded property and threatened
his life without any lawful court order, we had no choice but to come
forward," said Imanyara.
“No one should use threats or force
to resolve a civil dispute in Kenya. The rule of law must prevail.”
Obure, a well-known Nairobi-based investor,
said he had duly followed all legal procedures after being issued a court order
involving a contested property.
He explained that the order was submitted to the regional police commander,
reviewed, and then forwarded to Kilimani Police Station for enforcement, a
process he maintained was done by the book.
However, upon visiting the property, Obure
said he encountered hostility.
“When I went to the building, I was met by
over 500 hostile individuals. They targeted my car and made threats against my
life,” Obure said.
“Later, on my way home along Lenana Road, another group, about 30 people, approached
my vehicle in a threatening manner.”
Obure said he swiftly filed a report at
Kilimani Police Station under OB number 15 and later recorded a statement with
the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He praised the police for their professionalism, saying they had been
supportive and were taking the matter seriously.
The businessman linked the threats to an
individual he claimed was not a party to the court case.
Obure said the core of the dispute is over ownership of the property and
questioned the role of the individual in the ongoing standoff.
“This matter is in court. It’s not about
auctions. The individual is not named in the court documents. I don’t know how
or why he’s involved,” Obure said.
“If anyone feels aggrieved, they should go through the courts like I have.
We’ve been patient, and we are not above the law.”
Obure insisted he has no interest in
confrontation, stating that he is focused on running his businesses and
employing Kenyans.
He emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to take its
course, stating that resorting to intimidation or violence is not the way to
resolve disputes in a constitutional democracy.
“I’m a law-abiding citizen. My work is to do
business and employ people. I don’t have goons, and I will not use any force,”
he said.
“If anyone believes they have a stronger case, they should appeal in court,
not resort to street tactics.”
He added that for the time being, he has had
to stop using his personal vehicles and has resorted to hired rides due to
security concerns.
He said he is fearful for both his own safety and that of his employees.
“I feel extremely in danger. My staff are
scared. I now use Uber for my movements because I can’t drive my own car,” he
said.
Obure called on all involved parties to
refrain from unlawful action and to respect the ongoing judicial process.
“This
is not the time to show muscle. It’s the time to respect the law. Let us
resolve this legally,” he said.
