A Malaysian doctor who had spent four days at Salehe Hotel along Koinange Street in Nairobi complained that he lost cash and property worth Ksh 400,000 last week.
According to Nairobi News, Dr Lau Hua Bing's belongings were allegedly stolen by an employee of the hotel owned by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
The publication reported that Bing's $800 (Ksh 80,000) was stolen on Friday evening, February 21 and the next day another $1,400 (Ksh 140,000) was stolen in cash, a laptop worth Ksh 75,000, travel documents including passports and vaccination cards.
“I discovered the safe in the room was not working and no working desk either. I told one of the hotel’s staff who had helped me carry the luggage, but failed to report to the reception. I had said no one should be allowed into my room in my absence even for cleaning purposes,” Bing stated.
“I had no choice but to lock my carrier bag which contained my Malaysian passport, identity card, yellow fever vaccination card, Citibank credit card, cash USD 3200, Malaysia currency RM500 (Ksh 10,000), Rwanda franc 30,000 (Ksh3,000), Ush 83000 (Ksh2,000), into my big check-in luggage," he added.
The employee, who has since gone into hiding, is being sought after by the police.
CCTV cameras captured the staffer, who is said to have access cards to all rooms, entering Bing's room, where he spent about 20 minutes.
Bing would walk into the room an hour later, only to find his bags opened and money stolen, after which he reported to the hotel's management.
“I complained about the non-functioning safe and they allowed people to access my room without my permission. The hotel owner’s daughter had promised to sort it out for me on the following Monday which I refused because I was returning to Malaysia on the same day," Bing stated.
He reported the matter at Central Police Station on Saturday, February 22 and was issued with an abstract.
“Since the hotel owner knew the two incidents were taking place in their hotel and my money amounting to $3200 had been stolen, I should be compensated.
"The police investigation should have followed immediately. I believe the hotel should have insurance to cover the losses,” Bing pleaded.
Tourist Police Unit Commander Jostine Barmao assured that they were in search of the employee.
