Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has lost ownership of the upscale Dari Coffee and Garden Restaurant after the property was auctioned for KSh 450 million following a prolonged legal dispute over an unpaid loan.
The luxury establishment, located in the affluent Karen suburb of Nairobi, sat on a 6.9 acre property and was widely known as a popular destination for fine dining, corporate events and social gatherings. The venue was admired for its well-maintained gardens, spacious conference areas and serene environment that attracted high end clientele.
The restaurant was sold through a public auction conducted by Garam Auctioneers on October 1, with several bidders reportedly competing for the prime property before it was eventually sold for Sh450 million. Reports indicate that the winning bidder immediately paid a required deposit of about Sh45 million, with the remaining balance expected to be settled within 90 days as part of the transaction process.
The sale came after Tuju defaulted on a loan obtained from the East African Development Bank in 2015. The facility, valued at about $9.3 million, had been secured to finance the acquisition and development of land intended for hospitality and housing projects. However, the bank later moved to recover the debt after the loan reportedly went unpaid, triggering a lengthy legal battle in court.
Despite attempts by Tuju to challenge the auction through court applications, the sale ultimately proceeded, marking a significant setback for the former Jubilee Party Secretary General.
Dari Coffee and Garden Restaurant had built a strong reputation over the years, offering a diverse menu including nyama choma, steaks, lamb chops and kebabs, with ingredients sourced from regions such as Naivasha and Nanyuki.
The identity of the new owner has not yet been publicly disclosed.