Nairobi, Kenya – September 22, 2025 – Chaos unfolded at the Directline Assurance Company Limited offices in Nairobi after businessman SK Macharia stormed the building, announced a takeover, and fired several staff members despite existing court orders.
Chaos at Hazina Towers
The incident happened at Hazina Towers, where stunned employees reported that Macharia and his team broke doors before declaring the dismissal of staff.
According to employees, there is an active court order barring Macharia from interfering with the company’s operations. Staff members later reported the incident to the Central Police Station and the Insurance Regulatory Authority.
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Security Footage Emerges
Security video from the Monday morning confrontation showed Macharia at the reception area, flanked by his group. He could be seen directing them to take action, raising further questions about the legality of his move.
Directline Assurance’s Principal Officer and CEO, Sammy Kanyi, confirmed that he had reported the matter to authorities.
“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 told reporters.
Police officers later visited the scene and confirmed that investigations are underway.
Court Orders Against Takeover
Court documents reviewed by Kenya Law show that in 2024, a Nairobi court issued multiple injunctions restraining Macharia from interfering with Directline Assurance operations.
The orders specifically barred him from:
- Hiring or firing employees
- Issuing directives to contractors
- Signing cheques or making transfers without board approval
- Interfering with company finances or investments
In a separate ruling, another court also stopped Macharia from broadcasting cautionary adverts through his Royal Media Services network. The insurer argued that the ads were defamatory and damaging to its financial standing.
Justice Francis Gikonyo ruled that Directline is a distinct legal entity and deserves protection. He restrained Macharia from publishing or airing the disputed adverts.
See related: Court blocks SK Macharia from interfering with Directline Assurance
Ongoing Power Struggle
The takeover attempt marks the latest twist in a long-running battle for control of Directline Assurance. Macharia, who has business interests in Royal Media Services, has clashed with the insurer’s management over governance issues.
The courts have repeatedly affirmed that only Directline’s shareholders and duly elected board have the authority to make decisions affecting the company.
Regulators, including the Capital Markets Authority and the Insurance Regulatory Authority, continue to monitor the situation closely to safeguard policyholders and investors.
