A Chinese investor has defended the purchase of a Sh2 billion parcel of land around State House in Nairobi, whose disputed ownership has resulted in a long battle at the High Court. Mr Yu Donghui had been fighting over the property with the late Sarova Group of Hotels Managing Director Sardar Mohinder Singh Vohra.
Mr Donghui explained to Justice Elijah Ombaga on Monday that the property was sold to Catham Properties Limited by two vendors – Mr Christopher Mugoye Wamae and Mr Alexander Kung’u Maina. The investor, who was re-examined by lawyer Dr Gibson Kamau Kuria, however noted that the two vendors gave Catham title documents which were later cancelled by the chief lands registrar in the Lands ministry.
Samvo and Delta, whose managing director is Mr Ali Mohammed Egal, are also claiming ownership of the property. Those named as respondents in the case are Samvo Limited, the NLC, the Chief Land Registrar, Mr Wamae, Mr Maina and Catham.
The ministry and the National Lands Commission (NLC) have disowned the transaction between Catham and the two vendors saying it was fraudulent.
Mr Donghui noted that the title deed handed to Catham was cancelled by the chief lands registrar in September 22 2014 when its authenticity was challenged by Mr Egal.
Catham wanted to put up a modern multi-billion business centre on the disputed parcel of land. Mr Donghui said the company bought the land from the two vendors for Sh200million so they are seeking damages for loss of business.
Construction on the site was stopped by the High Court pending determination of the ownership dispute.
[Article source: The Daily Nation, by Richard Munguti]
