But in the years since the sale was initially entered, but not finalised, the 72-year-old retired banker had grown even more impatient with the reverends, more than even the buyers. Njoroge termed contention with Githunguri as a “small disagreement”, which has since been settled and once again, confirmed that “the title deed for Tassia Coffee Estate has been released”. It would seem the new demand may have been at the heart of the disagreement, even though it was not immediately possible to get a confirmation from Githunguri. This is because Milele had not settled the balance in 90 days as agreed in the sale agreement. “We have the title deeds with us after clearing the debt,” Njoroge said without disclosing how much the settlement was worth.Īccounts from the buyers suggest that the former Kiambaa MP had demanded about Sh150 million, up from the original Sh21.4 million. He said a deed plan had been finalised, which would facilitate processing of the individual ownership documents for the buyers. Njoroge, who is currently attached to Kinoo Parish, denied any fraud allegations.
Yesterday, Reverend Francis Njoroge said a small misunderstanding had arisen between Milele and Githunguri over the transaction but the matter had been resolved. In one of the latest meetings called by the buyers, directors of Milele Ventures are reported to have snubbed the invite, raising even more fears among the buyers that the deal may have fallen through. Every time the directors were asked on the progress in processing of title deeds, their response was quick and simple: “Embrace patience as a virtue.” Each hoping for a piece of what was once among the biggest coffee estates in Kiambu.
Many of those who bought these pieces of land approached banks for loans to finance their acquisition. In any case, the clerics were literally selling the plots right from the pulpit with an emphasis on how property ownership was critical in safeguarding one’s future.
His frustrations arise from his belief that the project, being fronted by men of the cloth, would not be riddled with the now-so-common disappointments in property acquisition.