Al-Shabaab attack still haunts Lamu’s hotel industry ten years later

The renowned Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant in Mpeketoni, Lamu West, is still on the road to recovery ten years after the deadly Mpeketoni terrorist attack that left at least 90 men killed and property worth millions destroyed in one night.

On the night of June 15, 2014, Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant made headlines as the first target of Al-Shabaab militants from Somalia, who invaded and set the establishment ablaze. The unfortunate incident caused the hotel to completely lose its glory.

The terrorists, who were armed with deadly weapons, including guns, grenades, and knives, raided Mpeketoni town at around 8 p.m.

During the unexpected attack, the terrorists burnt more than 30 houses, including hotels and residences, and more than 40 vehicles.

A decade later, hotel owners and other business proprietors in Mpeketoni have worked tirelessly to rebuild their properties, overcoming the devastation and beginning to heal from the scars left by terrorism.

One such proprietor is John Kiuna Wanyoike, the owner of the Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant. Wanyoike lost nearly everything during the Al-Shabaab attack.

Today, however, Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant has defied all odds, rising once more—well-furnished, beautifully decorated, and pleasing to the eye.

The newly renovated Breeze View Hotel, a symbol of resilience in Mpeketoni, stands proudly against its tumultuous past. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Today, Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant, located on the outskirts of Mpeketoni Town, could have been one of the most sought-after high-class establishments.

Yet, the dark shadow of the terrorist attack a decade ago still lingers, leaving the hotel struggling with a significantly low number of clients booking stays, despite spending a lot of money on setting up the premises.

Breeze View Hotel and Restaurant has a total of 25 rooms plus a conference hall.

Wanyoike, during an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, insisted that, unlike previous years, before the attack, his hotel was always receiving full bookings by guests from all over.

He described the 2014 terrorist attack as a black mark and a setback for his hotel business, which is yet to fully recover. Currently, visitors are still worried about renting rooms and spending nights at his premises.

The attacks tarnished the image of the hotel and Mpeketoni as a commercial town altogether.

He says the Al-Shabaab generally impacted negatively on the hotel industry in Lamu as it has seen a limited number of customers—two or three renting rooms in his hotel per day.

According to Wanyoike, there are instances where a day passes without even getting any clients in his hotel.

Once devastated by tragedy, Breeze View Hotel has been beautifully restored, offering a glimpse of hope and recovery. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He, however, thanked the national government for its efforts in restoring and stabilising security in Mpeketoni and Lamu in general.

The entrepreneur is, however, pleading with the county and national governments in coordination with various stakeholders in the tourism and trade sectors in the country to launch a special campaign to promote tourism in Lamu and Kenya to enable international visitors and tourists to visit their hotels in large numbers, thus enabling them, as proprietors, to earn good cash.

“I incurred a huge loss when the terrorists burnt down my hotel in 2014. I did not lose hope. I took some loans to rebuild the hotel, as you can see. I expected that business would return to normal so that I could pay off the debts. The situation is changing at a very slow rate in recent years. The tourists and guests I depended on to come to my hotel to rent rooms are no longer coming. Some even avoid my hotel once they visit Mpeketoni,” said Wanyoike.

He added, “People should know that security has been restored in Mpeketoni and Lamu in general. Don't view the Breeze View Hotel as a scene of Al-Shabaab attacks but rather as a changed place. You’re encouraged to visit and reserve your accommodation, knowing very well that you’re well protected. The government has restored security in this place, and I am happy.”

The proprietor also called on the Lamu community to maintain peace and live in unity and harmoniously with one another, as that defeats tourism altogether.

He said it is through unity that peace and stability will be maintained in Lamu.

He also advised the Lamu community to denounce terrorism, maintaining that it is through such criticisms that the enemy will not have a chance to penetrate among them and tear them apart.

Despite its stunning makeover, Breeze View Hotel continues to grapple with the impacts of the 2014 terrorist attack on its clientele. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“If we do not heighten the fight and condemnation against terrorism, we will appear as if we are welcoming it. Terrorists will remain our greatest enemies in Lamu, Kenya, and the whole world. Terrorism has left many with pain, whether it is the loss of their loved ones, being left with injuries or life scars, loss of property, and leaving many struggling with poverty. We must defeat terrorism by all means,” said Wanyoike.

A few customers interviewed lauded Wanyoike’s efforts in restoring the status of the prestigious hotel.

Simon Mwangi said he has spent his nights in the hotel several times and that he has no issues reserving accommodation there.

“For those who are afraid to sleep in Breeze View Hotel, know that the situation is calm there. Services are fine. Accommodation is luxurious and comfortable. I see no reason for you not to taste the sweetness of Breeze View Hotel,” said Mwangi.

Susan Njuguna praised the conference hall at Breeze View Hotel, urging those interested in organising meetings in Mpeketoni to choose the hotel to hold their conferences.

“I have held several meetings with my members at Breeze View. Their hall is elegant. Their hall is well-ventilated and completely refreshes the soul and heart,” said Njuguna.

Residents also emphasised the need for the government to improve infrastructure, especially roads in Mpeketoni, Hindi, Baharini, and other places, to attract more investors to invest in Lamu.

The inviting interiors of Breeze View Hotel showcase the extensive renovations aimed at attracting more guests. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)