WHAT JESUS WINNER MINISTRY’s ACQUISITION MEANS FOR UCHUMI CREDITORS

Jesus Winner Ministry’s Acquisition: What It Means for Uchumi Creditors

The recent sale of three acres of land to Jesus Winner Ministry has stirred debate, speculation, and misinformation. However, beyond the rumors, this transaction holds significant implications for Uchumi Supermarkets’ creditors—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have long awaited payment.

The disposal of this land is a critical step towards the Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), a restructuring strategy that aims to clear outstanding debts and possibly revive Uchumi’s business. But how did we get here? Let’s break it down.

Separating Fact from Fiction

There have been claims that President William Ruto “gave” the church the land, or that Jesus Winner Ministry acquired 20 acres belonging to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). These claims are false. The reality is much more complex.

The History of Uchumi’s Kasarani Land

• March 20, 2001: Kasarani Mall Limited, a subsidiary of Uchumi Supermarkets PLC, purchased 17 acres of land in Kasarani from Solio Construction Company Ltd for KES 85 million.
• 2015 Financial Reports: The land’s value had appreciated to KES 2.4 billion by September 2018.
• Multiple Ownership Disputes:
  • Roysambu Self-Help Group laid claim to the land, but Uchumi won the case.
  • Sidhi Investments attempted to purchase the land, leading to a legal battle that remains unresolved.
• 2004: Uchumi first attempted to sell the land, but subsequent disputes delayed the process.

Jesus Winner Ministry’s Purchase

• 2018: Jesus Winner Ministry, through Jewel Complex Ltd, entered into an agreement with Uchumi to purchase the entire 20 acres.
• KES 2.8 Billion Deal: The church paid a KES 330 million deposit, with the balance to be financed by a local bank.
• Why Was the Land Sold? The sale was part of Uchumi’s restructuring plan to settle debts, pay employees, and meet statutory obligations (such as KRA taxes and NSSF remittances).

KDF’s Encroachment and the Shrinking Deal

In January 2019, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) moved in, erecting fences and effectively taking control of 17 out of the 20 acres. This unexpected move jeopardized Uchumi’s turnaround plan and prevented the completion of the full sale.

Faced with these obstacles, Jesus Winner Ministry reduced its purchase to only three acres—a portion that remained outside KDF’s occupation. This explains President Ruto’s recent directive that KDF must allow the church access to the land it legally acquired.

The Remaining 17 Acres: What Happens Next?

The ownership dispute over the remaining 17 acres is now in court. For Uchumi creditors, this land represents a potential financial lifeline. Resolving the matter could unlock funds to compensate:

✅ Suppliers and SMEs: Many of whom have been financially crippled due to delayed payments.
✅ Employees: Who are owed salaries and benefits.
✅ Financial Institutions: Some of which agreed to partial debt write-offs and convertible preference shares as part of Uchumi’s restructuring.

With a creditors’ meeting set to take place later this month, transparency on how the proceeds from the three-acre sale were used will be a key topic of discussion.

Why This Matters for Kenya’s Business Community

The Uchumi-KDF land dispute is more than a legal battle—it’s a critical test of property rights, investor confidence, and debt resolution in Kenya.

🔹 If resolved fairly, it could provide relief to struggling businesses and employees.
🔹 If left in limbo, it will undermine investor trust in commercial property transactions.

As stakeholders await the next steps, one thing is clear: a transparent, timely, and fair resolution is essential—not just for Uchumi’s creditors but for Kenya’s broader business environment.

📢 What are your thoughts on the Uchumi land saga? Share your views below!

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