Woman locked in rent feud with Mombasa holiday home

A leading star rated accomodation facility in Mombasa is embroiled in a wrangle with a woman over unpaid rent worth Sh420,000.

Caroline Kirimi checked in at Sunset Paradise Holiday Homes on May 25, 2019, and occupied a three-bedroomed apartment where she stayed for three months.

Her monthly rent was Sh150,000 per month, but she was granted a Sh10,000 discount.

Kirimi, according to the management, has defaulted in paying the rent that has now accumulated to Sh420,000.

An official at the hotel said the woman checked in with a newborn baby and a house help.

She promised to pay after going to the bank to withdraw the money.

"We were duped into believing her, considering she had a young baby. Before we realised, she headed to the rent tribunal," said the hotel official.

When reached by The Standard for comment, Kirimi denied defaulted on any payment.

"There is no issue here and I dare you to writee anything and we shall meet in court," she said and hang up.

The hotel management says Kirimi has not paid anything and refused to take up an alternative accommodation within the premises.

The Business Premises Rent Tribunal has allowed her to remain in the apartment pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

She complained of alleged harassment and intimidation, which the hotel denies.

Earlier, the hotel management had gone to court to compel Kirimi to pay the rent.

A copy of the charge sheet seen by The Standard states that on May 25 to July 29, at Sunset Paradise Apartment in Kisauni sub-county, she checked into the fully furnished apartment by pretending she was in a position to pay the rent.

She was released on free bond on July 30.