Last Uchumi branch in Mombasa shut over Sh12 million rent

Workers load goods after Uchumi Supermarket was evicted from its Moi Avenue branch premises in Mombasa county, April 24, 2018. /PILI CHIMERA
Workers load goods after Uchumi Supermarket was evicted from its Moi Avenue branch premises in Mombasa county, April 24, 2018. /PILI CHIMERA

Uchumi Supermarket was on Tuesday evicted from the premises housing its Mombasa branch over Sh12 million unpaid rent.

This was the only surviving outlet of the cash-strapped retailer in the coastal town.

Makini Auctioneers removed goods from the premises after they secured court orders allowing them to evict the retailer.

Zuberi Twaha, the landlord, told the Star that he had no option but to call auctioneers to take the goods in a bid to recover the cash.

Makini supervisor Tom Nyandika said Uchumi was given a 14-day notice to vacate the premises but asked for more time.

He said the retailer, however, did not meet its end of the bargain despite being granted over two months to pay up the dues.

"The goods are being taken to a warehouse until the court gives directions on the way forward," Nyandika said.

The aftermath of the eviction of Uchumi Supermarket from its Moi Avenue branch premises in Mombasa county, April 24, 2018. /PILI CHIMERA

The branch manager was not available for comment but sent one of the employees to inform the media of the same.

"The manager has said he will not talk to the media," one of the junior employees told the press.

Uchumi's cashflow problems has seen its 24 branches across the country closed. The retailer initially had 40 branches.

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