Tenants of Nanak House, a long-standing commercial building in Nairobi’s Central Business District, are demanding justice and protection following a series of escalating attacks allegedly orchestrated by landlord Ann Wathatu Ngururi, trading as AVVA Limited, in defiance of multiple court orders.
For more than 20 years, the tenants have operated businesses in Nanak House.
But since September 2024, they have faced intimidation, unlawful eviction attempts, and extortionate demands for rent increases, escalating from KSh150,000 to KSh600,000 per month, plus an extraordinary “goodwill” fee of KSh15 million per tenant.
Despite securing a High Court order maintaining the status quo, blocking the rent hike and evictions, the landlord has allegedly continued to employ intimidation tactics, including cutting off electricity and water, barricading entrances with stones, and sending armed goons to block businesses in broad daylight.
The situation has now turned violent. A female employee of one of the shops was allegedly attacked and nearly sexually assaulted during one of the daytime raids. Colleagues intervened, saving her from further harm, but she remains deeply traumatized and fearful for her life.
Another goon, arrested for his role in the violence, was mysteriously released without charge, raising questions about collusion and protection of criminal actors.
“This is not just a rent dispute. It is a fight for survival. We are being harassed, attacked, and threatened despite having valid court orders. If the law cannot protect us, who will?” said a tenant.
Tenants have also raised concerns about judicial impartiality, pointing to rulings that contradict existing court decisions. Allegations of corruption, including claims that a presiding magistrate accepted a bribe, have further fueled their loss of faith in the system.
“This is a direct assault on the rule of law in Kenya. When landlords can ignore court orders and goons can walk free after arrest, it signals a breakdown of justice. We are calling on the Chief Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and the Ministry of Lands to intervene immediately,” added another tenant.
The tenants are urging:
- Enforcement of existing court orders to prevent unlawful eviction and harassment.
- Immediate protection from law enforcement agencies against further violence and intimidation.
- An independent investigation into the handling of the Nanak House dispute, including allegations of judicial bias and corruption.
- Broader reforms to strengthen tenant protections in Kenya, ensuring businesses and families are not destroyed by unscrupulous practices.
