The New Muthaiga Mall, situated along Thigiri Ridge Road in Karura, Kenya, is not just any shopping center. It stands as a testament to sophistication and elegance, offering a diverse range of options that cater to every shopper’s desires, from retail therapy to fine dining and entertainment.
But what lies behind the creation of this stylish mall, and who is the mastermind responsible for its existence?
In this article, we uncover the story of the billionaire behind the New Muthaiga Mall – Madatali Chatur.
A Tranquil Oasis
One of the hallmarks of the New Muthaiga Mall is its serene ambiance, which sets it apart from other shopping destinations.
The mall boasts vast gardens and gracefully flowing water fountains, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.
It doesn’t stop there; the expansive green space also doubles as a delightful children’s playground, where kids can engage in fun activities while their parents explore the shopping offerings.
A Shopping Haven
The New Muthaiga Mall houses a wide array of international and local brands, making it a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for a caffeine fix at the Karura Coffee House, a luxurious evening at Clarett Lounge, a quick bite at KFC, a taste of Chinese cuisine at the Chinese Kitchen, or grocery shopping at Chandarana FoodPlus Supermarket, the mall has you covered.
Additionally, it provides essential amenities like a standby instant generator, ample parking for up to 500 vehicles, a borehole for water supply, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, and rigorous security measures to ensure a seamless shopping experience.
The Man Behind the Vision
The New Muthaiga Mall owes its existence to the vision of a reclusive billionaire, Madatali Chatur, and his firstborn son, Rahim Chatur.
Together, they own and operate the mall through their company, Gemini Properties. Madatali Chatur is not just a mall owner; he is the founder and CEO of the Chatur Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, hotels, residential facilities, and agriculture.
A Conglomerate of Success
The Chatur Group of Companies operates an impressive total of 16 firms, collectively holding assets valued at over Ksh 76.99 billion, according to reports by Nation.
Besides the New Muthaiga Mall, Madatali Chatur’s extensive portfolio includes Likoni Mall, Gigiri Mall, Diamond Plaza, and Ngara Shopping Centre, among others. His success story is a testament to his astute business acumen and determination.
Navigating Challenges
While the New Muthaiga Mall today stands as a symbol of opulence and convenience, its journey to fruition was not without challenges.
The Ksh3 billion mall’s construction in 2010 faced staunch resistance from Muthaiga residents who believed the land was earmarked for a public nursery and clinic.
Court battles ensued, with residents contending that the land allocation to Gemini Properties was illegal, based on specific conditions.
The residents argued that the land should be used for a clinic and day nursery school. In response, Gemini Properties vehemently refuted these claims, providing evidence that the land had been used as a private school registered and licensed by the Ministry of Education.
The school had ceased operations, and the change of use to commercial purposes had been duly approved by relevant authorities.
A Legal Victory
High Court Judge Sitati would eventually rule that only the Attorney General had the authority to sue for the recovery of public land, not individual residents. This ruling cleared the path for Mr. Chatur to complete the Ksh3 billion mall, as reported by Nation.
