Located on the Northern Bypass, the Glee Hotel is a 211-room luxury establishment valued at over Sh9.5 billion. However, its future is in jeopardy as Equity Bank seeks to recover non-performing loans used to finance its construction and other real estate ventures.

The Auction Date: The bank has scheduled the public auction for February 5, 2026.

The Legal Fight: Wambui has moved to the High Court to block the sale, arguing that the bank is acting in “bad faith” and undervaluing the property.

Economic Headwinds: Her legal team contends that the bank has ignored the global and local economic pressures that have hit the luxury hospitality sector over the last two years.

Historical Context: The Rise and “Rumble” of Purma Holdings

To understand the weight of this case, one must look at Mary Wambui’s turbulent history with the authorities:

The 2021 “Weston Escape”: In late 2021, Wambui made headlines when she and her daughter, Purity Njoki, allegedly escaped a police dragnet at the Weston Hotel during a Sh2.2 billion tax evasion investigation.

The 2023 Settlement: After a long legal battle, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped the tax evasion charges in January 2023 following an out-of-court settlement with the KRA.

Political Influence: Known for her close ties to the Jubilee administration and later the UDA government, Wambui’s current financial struggle is being viewed by some as a “political barometer” of shifting patronage in Nairobi’s business corridors.

What Happens Next?

The High Court is expected to deliver a ruling on the injunction application before the February 5th deadline. If the auction proceeds, it will signal a major shift in the stability of “politically connected” business empires in Kenya.

Investor Note: A default of this magnitude (Sh8bn) could potentially tighten credit for other large-scale developers as banks move to protect their liquidity in a volatile interest rate environment.