Police are investigating puzzling burglaries that have occurred within the exclusive Vipingo Ridge residences in Kilifi County.
Reports of a break-in at the home of a top national government official emerged last week but were denied by authorities.
However, this week — on Tuesday January 14 — another incident was reported at the estate which hosts holiday homes for some of the most influential people in corporate and political circles in Kenya. The heavily guarded gated community estate boasts luxury living facilities including a golf course, wildlife sanctuary and a private beach club.
Tuesday's incident was captured in a police signal which stated that the occupant of the house was in Belgium at the time.
According to police, the theft which took place at around 6:30am was reported by the caretaker of the house who was in the servant’s quarters.
Some of the items listed as stolen include a smart TV, remote control, carpet, heater, blender, electric kettle, duvet and a pillow.
“The value of the items to follow as the complainant (name withheld) is currently in Belgium. The thieves are suspected to have gained entry through the sliding doors which had no locks,” the statement seen by Nation.Africa said.
A top-ranking police officer in Kilifi County confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
No arrests yet
The probe is being carried out by a multi-agency security team drawn from different departments of the National Police Service (NIS), including some from neighbouring Mombasa County.
The officer, who requested anonymity as the matter is “too sensitive”, added that no arrests had been made yet.
Accessing the luxurious estate is often controlled by a team of hawk-eyed security guards backed up with a three-metre-high perimeter wall and CCTV cameras which are monitored round the clock.
Residents are also given the option of installing panic buttons and access to mobile response teams, including a mobile canine unit, according to information available on the estate’s website.
A resident told Nation.Africa that the matter has raised eyebrows within the Vipingo Ridge community, bearing in mind the high level security presence there.
Management wrangles
The resident who wished to remain anonymous said some of them believe that the incident was an act of sabotage due to ongoing wrangles at management level.
“There have been wrangles amongst the directors for a while now. Positions have been changing hands, and some of them are not agreeing to the changes and sabotaging the rest,” said the resident, adding that a security manager had also resigned due to the disputes.
Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey confirmed that three separate incidents had been reported by different home owners in the recent weeks.
In an interview with Nation.Africa, Mr Horsey said among the three, only two are under active investigation by the police since an item reported missing by a homeowner in the other incident was recovered in the same house.
"Our security team is working closely with the respective authorities. One homeowner has recovered their missing item, while the other two are awaiting investigation outcomes from the authorities," he stated.
While terming the incidents as isolated cases, Mr Horsey added that the estate remains safe and security protocols have been increased for anyone seeking to access the area.
According to the CEO, no forced entry or damage to property was witnessed in any of the burglaries.
"We are treating the recent incidents as isolated cases and have swiftly reviewed and increased security protocols. We have undertaken an extensive safety and security audit to ensure that all risks are identified and mitigated as necessary," he explained.
Vipingo Ridge has gained popularity among wealthy Kenyans as well as foreigners seeking getaway homes in tranquil and scenic locations of the Coast region.
Its location offers stunning ocean views, easy access to the beach, a relaxed coastal atmosphere and a panoramic view of the Chodari Hills.
The privacy of residents is guaranteed by the existence of an airstrip within the location, allowing popular personalities to jet in and out without being noticed by the general public.
Tight security at the gates usually makes it a herculean task for non-residents to access the estate even with an invite from a resident or event organisers.
