This image taken in Nyeri on December 15, 2017 shows the building where Uchumi Supermarkets was evicted over unpaid rent. The retailer has not yet cleared debts owed to suppliers. Struggling Uchumi Supermarkets’ recent sale of a 20-acre piece of land in Roysambu, Nairobi, to a church group for Sh2.8 billion has received a huge blow.
Judges Philip Waki, Mohammed Warsame and Agnes Murgor have refused to strike out a case that Sidhi Investments filed against Uchumi in 2005, claiming that the retailer reneged on a sale deal after receiving 10 per cent payment for the land.
After retired High Court Judge John Osiemo refused to strike out the case in 2007, Uchumi challenged the decision.
Uchumi insists there was no sale agreement, and that it did not receive any money from Sidhi Investments as deposit for the prime property.
The suit could lead to a landmark decision around the law of contract, as it could further draw lines on when an agreement becomes legally enforceable.
WIND UP
Last November, Uchumi inked a fresh deal to sell the land to Jewel Complex Limited, a firm owned by five top officials of Jesus Winners Ministry, for Sh2.8 billion.
Edward Mwai Kiongo has a 36.36 per cent stake in Jewel Complex, while Agnes Wanjiku Kiongo, Raphael Mwiti Thiaru and James Kiongo Mwai each own 18.8 per cent in the firm.
Paul Gichohi Mutune owns the other 9.09 per cent. Jewel Complex paid Sh330 million deposit in December.
The Court of Appeal’s decision could complicate the deal and make matters harder for Uchumi, which is already struggling under the weight of billions owed to its suppliers.
The supermarket is fighting a petition to wind up operations, the second in three years.During Uchumi’s first cash crunch in 2005, the retail chain set its sights on selling the Roysambu land to ease its financial troubles. SALE DEAL On March 9, 2005, Sidhi Investments offered to buy the land for Sh118 million, which Uchumi was satisfied with.The firm agreed to pay a 10 per cent deposit for the land and wrote a Sh11.8 million cheque in favour of Uchumi.But two days later Uchumi advertised the land for sale and Sidhi Investments decided to sue.The firm asked the High Court to compel Uchumi to enter into a sale agreement with it and wrap up the transaction.Uchumi however argued that there was no agreement to sell the land to Sidhi Investments and denied receiving any […]
