The Business Premises Rent Tribunal has ordered an urgent inspection of a commercial space at Senteu Plaza, located at the junction of Lenana and Galana Roads, amid a heated ownership dispute involving SBS Dunhil Group (East Africa) Limited, owned by tycoon Chris Obure, alongside Ajetkumar C. Shah and a Mr. Martin Nyongesa, an alleged new Tenant in the disputed property, who claimed that he was on occupation and that he made, “heavy” investment and currently enjoying “quiet possession.”

The Order, delivered by Hon. Joyce Murigi followed an urgent application filed by Chris Obure. In his application, Obure disputed claims by Mr. Nyongesa that he had heavily invested in the first floor of Senteu Plaza. Obure had been ordered by the court to return to the premises on 28th July 2025, following an earlier eviction, which the court ruled was unlawful in a decision delivered by Hon. Cyprian Mugambi.

In response, Nyongesa filed an affidavit asserting that he had already occupied the premises and invested significantly in it. However, Obure countered with his own affidavit, supported by pictorial evidence, claiming the first floor remains unoccupied and that Nyongesa is misleading the court.

On August 6, the Tribunal issued an order for an inspector from Court, to visit the disputed first-floor premises, listed under LR Number 1/1373 (formerly 1/989 and 1/990), to ascertain the current status and report back to the court. The order was granted under a certificate of urgency.

The Tribunal also retained the previously scheduled hearing date of August 8, 2025, before Hon. Ndegwa Wahome, MBS, and Hon. Joyce Murigi, where the matter will be heard inter-partes. The proceedings are expected to address the ongoing ownership battle, which saw Obure previously evicted from the premises by Ajetkumar C. Shah, amid a dispute over the purchase and rightful ownership of the property over which he paid Kshs. 1.3 Billion Shillings.

A penal notice attached to the order warned of serious legal consequences for any party that fails to comply with the Tribunal’s directive.

The case underscores the growing tensions in Nairobi’s commercial real estate market, particularly in high-value areas such as Kilimani, where Senteu Plaza is located.

The legal showdown continues to attract public attention as both sides prepare for a decisive hearing later this week.