Residents in Kisii were left unsettled after a late-night police operation revealed a situation that many say they never imagined could happen within their neighbourhoods.
Officers moved in after receiving repeated concerns from people living near an apartment that had been attracting unusual movement for several weeks.
Neighbours had noticed loud activity, regular late-night arrivals, and behaviour that made them feel uncomfortable, prompting them to report the matter to the authorities.
When police finally acted, they entered the Airbnb and found 23 men gathered inside one room. Officers said the group was involved in sexual activity at the time of the raid.
The men were instructed to put on their clothes before being escorted out of the building, and the scene drew a crowd of shocked residents who had been awakened by the commotion.
Many people who watched the arrests said they had never witnessed anything so unexpected in the area.Inside the apartment, officers found clear signs that the room had been used for a prolonged gathering.
There were alcohol bottles on the floor, used items scattered around, and bedding placed randomly in different corners.
Police noted that the room was extremely crowded and poorly ventilated, creating a space that was unsafe and unfit for such a gathering.
They said the condition of the apartment suggested that this may not have been the first time a group had used the space in this manner.
For residents living nearby, the discovery raised concerns about the increasing number of short-stay rentals in Kisii and how some of them might be used without proper supervision.
Many people expressed fear that strangers could rent apartments in the middle of family-friendly estates and host undisclosed activities that may disturb or endanger those around them. They argued that the community deserves to know who is moving in and out of their neighbourhoods, especially when such incidents affect their peace.
County officials responded quickly by promising stronger regulations for Airbnb and other short-term accommodation facilities.
They said property owners will now be required to keep accurate guest records and share information with authorities whenever suspicious behaviour is noticed. They added that any rental space found to be enabling illegal gatherings or activities that threaten public safety may be shut down without delay.
Police have also widened their investigations, saying they believe similar gatherings might be happening in other parts of Kisii.
The 23 men found in the apartment remain in custody as officers continue to question them about how long these meetings have been taking place and who has been responsible for organizing them.
The incident has opened a wider conversation about safety, privacy, and the responsibilities of both property owners and tenants in shared residential areas.
