This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On Thursday, a disabled businessman in Kisii Town was denied a chance to move out of his rental house in Nyanchwa Estate, sparking drama between the landlord and the tenant.
Reuben Manyara, who runs Four Seasons Salon in Kisii Town, had planned to move out of his two-bedroom house at Hazike Flats since he was staying at the first floor, which was not friendly to his condition.
Manyara had paid Sh20,000 in September, which stood for one month's rent and deposit, and had informed the building caretaker of his intention to move out by the end of October.
However, when he tried to move out, he was told by the caretaker that he had to pay Sh10,000 rent and that he would get back his deposit once the landlord certified that the house was in good condition.
Manyara had hired a lorry to help him move out of the house to an apartment that would be friendly to his condition, but was shocked when the caretaker blocked him, saying that he had to pay Sh10,000 before moving out.
The landlord, Hassan Simba, told The Standard that he had no objection to Manyara moving out, but he had to follow regulations governing the renting of houses, which require both tenants and landlords to keep their obligations.
Simba said that Manyara had been his tenant since September and was free to move out if he paid this month's rent, but would have to get back his deposit once his caretaker certified that the house was in good condition.
However, Nominated MCA Joyce Ombasa, who visited the flat, said that it was unfair for Simba to block Manyara from moving out since he did not owe him anything, given that he had actually lived in the house for less than one month and had rent and deposit paid.
Ombasa said that it was a fact that the flat was not friendly to people with disabilities, and that was the reason why Manyara was moving out.
