Maathai sues tenant over illegal structures

By Judy Ogutu

Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai has sued her tenant for allegedly erecting illegal structures on her property and subletting them.

Prof Maathai took Wilnag Business Connection Centre Ltd to court, seeking to repossess the premises on Lenana Road in Nairobi.

On Monday, when the matter came up before High Court Judge Michael Khamoni, the parties agreed to appear in court on May 12 to agree on a settlement.

Maathai went to court through Njogu and Ngugi Company Advocates, saying an agreement dated September 20, 2004, stated she would let the premises to Wilnag for five years and three months. The agreement was to take effect on October 1, 2004 and end on December 31, last year.

The suit papers said under the terms of the agreement, the defendant was to use the premises for residential purposes and not for commercial purposes unless it obtained the relevant change of use from Nairobi City Council.

"It was further a condition of the letter of offer that the defendant would not sub-let or otherwise part with possession of the leased premises without leave of the plaintiff," her lawyer argues.

Maathai claims the tenant violated the conditions without her consent or that of her agents.

She says she has through her agents M/S Wainaina Real Estates Ltd, given several notices not to renew the said lease.