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| Ameey Homes Limited |
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| Patrick Analo Akivaga, Stephen Gathuita Mwangi |
| Richard Mumo, Fredrick Ochanda, |
| Stella Nyamu, Ali Ibrahim Hamamed, |
| Yusuf Asker Mohamed, Salim Komora, |
| Wilson Lepartobiko, Burach Koch (Koch) |
Some business people and homebuyers have accused Ameey Homes Limited of defrauding them out of millions through fake house projects. They claim that some of the houses they purchased from Ameey Homes Limited are substandard, poorly constructed, and embroiled in ongoing cases in Kenyan courts.
Speaking to our investigative journalist in Eastleigh, South C, and Parklands, the buyers claimed that Ameey Homes has been advertising incomplete buildings on their social media platforms and, in return, obtaining millions of shillings from unsuspecting buyers, leading to significant financial losses.
Further details reveal that Ameey Homes Limited has been specifically targeting wealthy Somalis, who are easily lured into these ‘illegal’ housing projects.
“Yusuf Asker is the mastermind behind selling these poorly constructed houses in Parklands. He is in charge of the entire flawed process and often receives support from senior City Hall officials,” said a Parklands resident.
The resident added that Asker, along with others, was recently found guilty in a contempt case by a Nairobi court and is facing a possible jail term. Our investigation shows that a Kibera court issued a warrant of arrest against Asker a few months ago, and he is still on the run.
Some investors who poured their money into these projects are already counting their losses. “I have lost at least 15 million shillings to Ameey Homes Limited after being seduced by their social media adverts for properties on Parklands’ Taza Lane. They promised me heaven, but when I visited the houses after paying my deposit, I realized they were incomplete and in pathetic condition. The apartment lacked a proper sewer line, and its swimming pool was constructed on a public road,” said PQ, one of the buyers. PQ added that the buildings in Parklands lack proper ventilation.
To support these claims, it was discovered that the Environment and Land Court found Nairobi County Secretary Patrick Akivaga, alongside nine others, guilty of contempt a few months ago. Ameey Homes Limited was also found guilty by the same court.
Also Read: Businessman Samuel Yongo Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Sh2.1 Million
Analo has allegedly been receiving bribes from Ameey Homes Limited and its developers to support the illegal constructions. The judge had earlier stopped all construction work pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by residents.
In his ruling, Judge Oscar Angote found that Akivaga and three others had disobeyed court orders issued on May 25, 2023. “Patrick Analo Akivaga (County Secretary), Stephen Gathuita Mwangi, Richard Mumo, Fredrick Ochanda, Stella Nyamu (Sustainable Development Solutions Limited), Ali Ibrahim Hamamed, Yusuf Asker Mohamed (Director and Shareholder, Ameey Homes Limited), Salim Komora, Wilson Lepartobiko, Burach Koch (Koch Construction Limited) are hereby found and held guilty for refusing, failing, or neglecting to obey the court’s orders given on May 25, 2023,” the judge ruled.
Our investigation reveals that previous orders had compelled the above parties to stop any further development on land at City Park Drive, Parklands, pending the hearing and determination of the suit, but they ignored the orders and continued with the work. Disturbing details have emerged showing how they ignored court orders, exchanged bribes, and proceeded with illegal construction.
They were also directed to enforce the same orders on Sustainable Development Solutions Limited and five others, along with their agents or servants, who were handling the development.
The ruling came after two petitioners, David Ndambiri and Titus Kitonga, moved to court seeking orders to have the respondents and interested parties held guilty of willful disobedience of court orders and sentenced accordingly. The respondents in the suit included the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Service, former NMS Director General Lieutenant General (rtd) Mohammed Badi, Stephen Mwangi, Stephen Mwandime, Richard Mumo, Fredrick Ochanda, and the Attorney General. The interested parties included Harambee Sacco and Cooperative Society Limited, Sustainable Development Solutions Limited, Ali Ibrahim, Ameey Homes Limited, Salim Komora, Wilson Lepartobiko, and Koch Construction Limited.
In an affidavit, Ndambiri told the court that the 2023 order was served to the first seven respondents and the first five interested parties on May 30, and was even pasted on the entrance of the property. However, he stated that the orders were ignored and construction continued. He produced photos to support his claims, including some showing workers on-site and vehicles from the Nairobi City County government visiting.
Why the Building is a No-Go Zone
Earlier this year, experienced engineers visited the buildings along Taza Lane and warned of the risks to residents and potential occupants. “We have checked this building together with my colleagues and found that it has been poorly constructed. It will come down very soon, and we wish to advise Kenyans to avoid it completely,” they warned. They urged the Kenyan government to act and demolish the building, something that has yet to happen.
Our investigation shows that Ameey Homes, under the leadership of Yusuf Asker, never employed qualified engineers, and the building at Taza Lane in Parklands was constructed by unskilled laborers.
