Drama As SK Macharia Storms Directline Assurance Offices, Declares Takeover and Fires Staff

Nairobi, Kenya — Chaos erupted at the Nairobi headquarters of Directline Assurance Company Limited after veteran businessman and media mogul, Dr. SK Macharia, stormed the insurer’s offices at Hazina Towers and declared he had taken over control of operations.

Witnesses say Macharia, flanked by a group of people, forced his way into restricted areas of the office and announced sweeping changes, including the dismissal of senior staff. Among those he purported to sack was the firm’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer, Sammy Kanyi, who has since reported the matter to police.

“He announced he had dismissed me and led a group into the offices despite a court order. Let the authorities take the necessary action,” Kanyi told reporters, confirming he had filed a report with the Central Police Station.

CCTV footage from the incident, seen by officials, shows Macharia and his team at the reception, apparently issuing directives to staff. Attempts to reach the businessman for comment were unsuccessful.

Police later visited the premises and confirmed that investigations were underway.

Legal Battle at the Heart of Drama

Court records show that the confrontation comes against the backdrop of a protracted ownership dispute. In 2024, the High Court issued an injunction restraining Macharia and his associates from interfering with Directline’s management. The orders barred them from hiring or firing staff, accessing the company’s premises, or engaging in financial dealings without shareholder or board approval.

In a separate case, Macharia was also barred from broadcasting cautionary advertisements about Directline on his Royal Media Services platforms. The insurer argued the adverts were damaging its reputation and financial stability. Justice Francis Gikonyo granted temporary orders halting the broadcasts, insisting that Directline must be treated as a distinct legal entity pending resolution of the dispute.

Macharia, through his lawyer Kamau Kuria, insists he is the rightful owner of Directline, accusing current directors of “improperly seizing control” of the insurer.

Regulator Steps In

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) swiftly moved to calm public fears following the dramatic events.

“All insurance policies issued by Directline Assurance remain in full force. Any contrary claims are of no legal effect,” said IRA CEO Godfrey Kiptum, urging PSV operators and policyholders to remain calm.

Directline Assurance is the country’s largest PSV insurer, covering matatus and buses. While its market share dipped from 64.95% in 2023 to 59.79% in 2024, it still commands dominance in the sector.

For now, the tussle between one of Kenya’s most powerful businessmen and the insurer’s current management has spilled from the boardroom into the courts — and now, into the offices of Directline itself.