The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is entangled in a Ksh2.8 Billion ownership row with one of the oldest retailers in the country, Uchumi Supermarket.
According to a report by Business Daily, KDF had already moved its equipment to the disputed parcel located next to Thika Road Mall along Thika Superhighway.
The paper further revealed that the Army had already commenced excavation works and that a perimeter wall had already been erected on the land.
Uchumi, however, claimed ownership of the land and had even entered into a sale agreement with a church which aimed at acquiring the parcel for Ksh2.8 Billion, a fortune which the embattled retailer hoped to use in an attempt to turn its business around.
The firm further revealed that it had already started engaging KDF on negotiations over the contested piece hoping to reach a solution.
"We are engaging with them over the issue. We are certain that this matter will be resolved," read a statement from the Supermarket chain.
Responding to the dispute, KDF spokesperson Colonel Paul Njuguna refuted claims that the land was owned by any other party, challenging the claimant to provide proof of ownership.
"The Roysambu KDF Camp is on the Ministry of Defence land; the issue of laying claim to a military camp does not arise. The onus is on the claimant to provide evidence," stated Njuguna.
The two are, however, not the only ones with a claim on the lucrative parcel. Another firm has claimed that it made a downpayment of 10 per cent to Uchumi in an agreement for their official acquisition of the land.
The lawsuit that was filed by the firm in 2005 reneging a planned sale of the land to the church was the biggest impediment hindering the acquisition. High Court Judge John Osiemo declined to strike out the case in 2007.
