This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, reports emerged that the IMAX Theatre at 20th Century Mama Ngina street had been auctioned due to rent arrears amounting to over Sh 8 million.
Auctioneers had raided the premises on Wednesday, carting away retractable seats, projectors, TV sets, power backup units, roof, and wall-mounted speakers, POS, printers and computers, and bar and kitchen items.
However, IMAX Director Naomi Mwangi has come out to assure clients that the business will not close down, despite the auction.
According to Mwangi, the rent arrears accrued beginning March this year after the government ordered the closure of all entertainment joints as part of coronavirus containment measures.
She explained that IMAX had negotiated with the property owner to be given a reasonable discount on the rent payable during the corona pandemic at a time they are closed, but said it came as a 'shock that the landlord chose to distress for rent when negotiations were ongoing.'
Mwangi urged IMAX clients and partners to be calm as they sort out the issues, adding that business will resume after government lifts the ban on the closure of entertainment joints.
'We are urging customers, partners, staff and friends of ANGA IMAX to maintain calmness and patience as we put things in line,' she said.
'We are not closing the IMAX cinema in 20th Century due to rent arrears or other obligations. We are here to stay,' she added.
