Mary Wambui: Inside Her Business Empire, Political Influence and the Multi-Billion Glee Hotel Crisis

The recent announcement by Equity Bank Kenya concerning the administration of the luxurious Glee Hotel in Nairobi has once again put business woman Mary Wambui Mungai into the limelight of the public eye, as it comes against the backdrop of her long entrepreneurial journey as well as involvement in politics and other public positions and litigation cases.

This particular development is set to be a game changer in one of the most high-profile debt dispute case in the Kenya hospitality industry, with loan amounting to Ksh 8.267 billion being at stake.

In accordance with the notice issued under Section 42(1) of the Insolvency Act, 2015 on July 7, 2026, Kamal Anantroy Bhatt of Anant Bhatt LLP was appointed administrator of Glee Hotel Limited with effect from July 6.

The said notice was issued by Equity Bank Kenya on July 7 and sees the transfer of management of the affairs, property and business of Glee Hotel from its directors to the administrator.

The creditors have been given 30 days to make claims against the administrator, while the directors have been ordered to file the statement of affairs in 12 days.

A Humble Beginning Leading to a Successful Business Career

Mary Wambui Mungai was born on December 12, 1963, in Gachika village of Gatundu South, Kiambu County.

She was raised in an average family, where the agricultural sector was the primary source of economic activity.

She completed a Diploma in Computer Proficiency followed by a Diploma in Clearing and Forwarding from the Kenya Institute of Clearing and Forwarding.

Later in 2008, she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kenya Methodist University with Upper Second Class Honours.

Purma Holdings Limited was incorporated by her on February 13, 1996.

Initially, her business was engaged in importing and trading of commodities, and later expanded its business to food imports.

Purma Holdings then expanded its business interests into imports of edible oils, rice, and beans, thus making it one of the leading import firms in Kenya.

In the year 2023, it is said that the company imported 12,500 metric tonnes of cooking oil worth about Ksh 2.5 billion, along with 30,000 metric tonnes of rice and 20,000 metric tonnes of beans.

Just the imports of edible oils were said to have earned almost Ksh 589 million as profits.

His daughter, Purity Njoki Mungai, later took up the mantle of the firm as a co-director.

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Wambui Political Influence and Appointment

Apart from her business dealings, Wambui became one of the most prominent financiers and backer of President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, popularly known as “Wambui wa Ruto” in political circles.

She was quoted as one of the major financiers of UDA during the 2022 General Election Campaign, although the amount of money she contributed to the campaign is not known officially.

In December 2022, after being elected as president, he appointed her as non-executive chairperson of the Communications Authority of Kenya for a period of three years.

She was responsible for issues of policy concerning telecommunication regulations, licensing and digital infrastructure.

President Ruto revoked her appointment as chairperson of Communications Authority on 8th August 2025 and appointed her as non-executive chairperson of the Athi Water Works Development Agency.

Glee Hotel and the Multi-Billion Debt Controversy

The administration of Glee Hotel is the biggest monetary challenge facing the business interests of Wambui.

This case arises from debt amounting to Ksh 8.267 billion, which was owed to the bank from loans provided by Equity Bank.

The records on file show that in February 2026, the lender had agreed to accept Ksh 7.75 billion as final payment through a refinancing deal, which would have been done by KCB Bank.

But the refinance did not happen within the stipulated period, thus causing the controversy to reopen.

A few weeks before the administration order, the High Court had ordered Wambui to pay Ksh 100 million within seven days to prevent the lender from enforcing its power of sale on Glee Hotel and other mortgaged property.

During the litigation, Wambui contended that Equity Bank was supposed to recover money first from other guarantors and securities before taking action against the hotel.

Equity Bank, on the other hand, insisted on having the right to decide which security to enforce.

Kenya’s Most Luxurious Hospitality Property

Glee Hotel is located in Runda near Nairobi’s Northern Bypass, on an eight-acre plot.

The hotel started operations at the end of 2023 and is regarded as one of Kenya’s most luxurious hospitality investments.

The hotel has 211 rooms with modern conference facilities, restaurants, entertainment, spas, and event venues that cater to corporate and leisure customers.

According to court papers, the open market value of the property stands at about Ksh 9.5 billion.

Controversies Beyond the Hotel

Mary Wambui has had many controversies related to her professional life.

In 2021, the Kenya Revenue Authority filed a case alleging that she and her daughter, Purity Njoki Mungai, were involved in tax evasion to the tune of Ksh 2.2 billion through the company Purma Holdings.

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However, they denied these claims.

The suit was withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions in January 2023 following a settlement between KRA and the two defendants.

She is also involved in the controversial procurement process by the Kenya National Trading Corporation for food imports.

In particular, it was reported that companies owned by her have received multiple-billion-shilling deals for the supply of rice, beans, and edible oils.

She rejected these claims and warned about legal measures against those who tried to link her to them directly.

COFEK has contested allegations of conflict of interest with regard to the Digital Super Highway Project, which took place while she worked in the Communications Authority.

According to communications officials and the Solicitor-General, there have been no issues regarding procurement laws.

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Photo of Glee Hotel owned by Mary Wambui which is now placed under administration by Equity Bank pending insolvency. PHOTO/ Glee Hotel