Businessman and media mogul Samuel Kamau (SK) Macharia on Monday stormed the Nairobi offices of Directline Assurance Company Limited, declaring he had taken over operations of the insurer in a dramatic twist to a long-running ownership dispute.
Witnesses at Directline’s Hazina Towers headquarters said Macharia arrived with a group of people, announced leadership changes, and claimed to dismiss senior staff, including Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer Sammy Kanyi.
Staff said the group forced its way into restricted areas before police were called in.
CCTV footage seen by the company shows Macharia at the reception giving instructions to employees. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Kanyi later confirmed he had reported the incident to police and the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
“He announced that he had dismissed me and led a group into the offices despite a court order. Let the authorities take the necessary action,” Kanyi said.
Police officers from Central Police Station visited the premises and confirmed investigations were underway.
Court documents show that in 2024, an injunction was issued barring Macharia and others from interfering with Directline’s operations.
The orders specifically prohibited them from hiring or dismissing staff, issuing instructions to contractors, accessing the offices, or carrying out financial transactions without shareholder or board approval.
In a separate ruling, the High Court also stopped Macharia from running cautionary adverts against Directline on Royal Media Services stations, saying the broadcasts risked damaging the insurer’s financial stability and reputation.
Despite the court orders, Macharia’s lawyer, Kamau Kuria, maintains that his client is the rightful owner of Directline, accusing current directors of taking control improperly.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority has moved to calm policyholders, stressing that Directline remains duly registered and operational.
“All insurance policies issued by Directline Assurance remain in full force. Any contrary claims are of no legal effect,” IRA CEO Godfrey Kiptum said in a statement.
Directline is Kenya’s largest insurer for public service vehicles (PSVs), including matatus and buses.
While its market share dipped from 64.95 percent in 2023 to 59.79 percent in 2024, it continues to dominate the PSV insurance market.
The latest confrontation underscores the deepening battle over control of the insurer, with fresh legal and regulatory battles expected in the coming days.
