Raphael Tuju, the former Jubilee Party Secretary-General, is embroiled in a financial dispute with the East African Development Bank (EADB) following his failure to repay a Kshs 4.5 billion loan he owes. He has been given a 45-day ultimatum to repay the loan, or his prime properties in Nairobi’s Karen area will be auctioned.
In a letter dated July 24, 2024, Garam Investments Auctioneers informed Tuju that they have been instructed by Kaplan and Stratton Advocates, representing the EADB, to auction his properties—Dari Business Park and Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary—on October 1, 2024. The sale will proceed if Tuju fails to repay USD 35,057,622 (approximately Ksh 4.5 billion) he owes the bank.
“We therefore on behalf of the Chargee hereby give you notice of forty-five (45) days from the date of service of this notice, within which time you may redeem the property by paying a sum of USD 35,057,622.14 as at 30th June 2024 on which interest continues to accrue + GBP 100,000 failing which we shall on expiry of the period of notice sell your property by public auction on 01.10.2024 AT 11.00 A.M At Our Offices Located On 5th Floor, Western Heights, Karuna Road Westlands, Nairobi,” the letter to the Tuju read.
The notification of sale documents issued by the auctioneers indicate that Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary, located off Tree Lane in Karen, is valued at Ksh 1.395 billion as of July 15 this year, while Dari Business Park, situated along Ngong Road, has a value of Ksh 590 million as of the same date.
The auctioneers have stated that the sale of Entim Sidai will incur charges of Ksh 24,497,200, or Ksh 12,291,100 if the property is not sold. For Dari Business Park, the sale charges will be Ksh 10,490,200, or Ksh 5,287,600 if it remains unsold.
The Dari Business Park
Photo: Courtesy
The Dari Business Park is a contemporary commercial complex located along Ngong Road in Nairobi. It is an extension of the Dari Restaurant which sits on seven acres in the wooded Karen area.
The Dari Business Park’s architecture combines modern design elements with functional spaces, featuring sleek lines, glass facades, and open-plan layouts.
The complex houses several buildings with multiple levels, providing a mix of gazebo-like office spaces, conference rooms, and retail outlets. The exterior is landscaped with well-maintained gardens, walkways, and ample parking spaces, creating a professional and inviting atmosphere.
Inside, the business park offers state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet, modern furnishings, and versatile meeting spaces, catering to the needs of businesses and professionals who seek sophistication and efficiency.
The Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary
Photo: Courtesy
Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary is a picturesque retreat nestled in the lush greenery of Karen, Nairobi. Located on Tree Lane, the multimillion property which offers panoramic views of Ngong Hills features a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, with its main building showcasing colonial-era architecture, complete with large verandas and high ceilings.
The sanctuary is surrounded by well-manicured gardens, offering a serene and tranquil environment filled with indigenous trees and vibrant flowers. The grounds are often rented out for outdoor events like weddings and parties.
Photo: Courtesy
Inside, the sanctuary exudes elegance with tastefully decorated rooms, natural wood finishes, and large windows fitted in relaxation lounges that provide ample natural light and views of the surrounding landscape for guests. The wellness center includes facilities such as treatment rooms, a spa, and spaces for meditation, all designed to promote a sense of peace and rejuvenation. To top it all off, the sanctuary all has a resort with well-furnished villas as well as four-star restaurant.
The properties are being auctioned following Tuju’s long dispute with EADB over a USD 9.3 million loan he took from the bank in April 2015 to partly fund the acquisition and development of commercial units for sale in Nairobi, which he is still yet to honour.
This dispute saw Tuju place the Dari restaurant and its developments as collateral until the completion of the project. This consequently led to its indefinite closure, after he was taken to court for defaulting on the loan.
At its peak, the restaurant was a major player in the hospitality sector, renowned for its creative international cuisine and accommodation. It boasted unique features such as an indigenous forest with vibrant plants and flowers, creating an ideal setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or special events.
Dari Restaurant is renowned for its expansive gardens with meticulously kept lawns that are home to a variety of wildlife, including the elegant Thomson’s gazelles, impalas, bush babies, tree squirrels, and birds such as peacocks, cranes, hornbills, and sunbirds, among others.
