NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 22 – Drama unfolded at Directline Assurance Company Limited on Monday after businessman SK Macharia stormed the firm’s Nairobi offices, declared a takeover, and announced the dismissal of staff.
Witnesses at the Hazina Towers offices said Macharia arrived with a group that forced its way in by breaking doors before he announced staff changes.
“There is a valid court order stopping his moves,” one staff member said, adding that the incident was reported to the Central Police Station and the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
Security footage captured the morning commotion, showing Macharia at the reception area directing his team.
Directline’s Principal Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Kanyi, confirmed he had filed a formal complaint.
“He announced he had fired me. He also led a group to break doors, yet there is a court order stopping such moves. Let the authorities take necessary action,” Kanyi said.
Police officers later visited the offices and said investigations were underway.
Ongoing court battles
The confrontation comes amid a protracted legal battle over control of the insurer.
Last year, a court barred Macharia from attempting to take over Directline, issuing wide-ranging injunctions restraining him and his associates from interfering with the firm’s management, staff, or finances.
The orders also prohibited the signing of cheques, money transfers, or issuing directives to banks, contractors, or business partners without shareholder or board resolutions.
In a separate case, the court further restrained Macharia from broadcasting cautionary advertisements warning the public against engaging with Directline.
The insurer argued that the adverts, aired by Macharia’s Royal Media Services, were defamatory and damaging to its financial standing.
Justice Francis Gikonyo, granting a temporary restraining order, emphasized that Directline is a distinct legal entity whose financial stability must be protected.
“Accordingly, the 1st defendant (SK Macharia), his agents, employees, or servants, or any other person is restrained from publishing, printing, distributing, airing, or otherwise circulating the advertisements set out in the affidavit by Sammy Kanyi,” the judge ruled.
Kanyi had detailed the false claims contained in the media campaign.
