Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have put Speaker Ken Ngondi on the spot over the controversial authorization of Ajode Restaurant to operate within the County Assembly precincts, citing serious health and procedural compliance concerns.
The agitated legislators have demanded the immediate suspension of the food vendor’s operations unless the proprietor produces valid health compliance certificates and other mandatory licenses required to run a food business within a public institution.
Speaking to journalists on January 28, 2026, a member of the Assembly’s Health Committee has revealed that the committee was neither consulted nor informed about the establishment of a restaurant within the Assembly premises.
“I am the chair of the Health Committee, and I was never notified about the operation of a hotel at the Assembly restaurant. While procedure may not require formal notification, once an outcry arises from honourable members, we must act,” the MCA stated.
He said that if the hotelier is allowed to proceed operation without relevant health compliance may cause harm on the customers.
He added: “I want to state categorically that it is true Ajode Restaurant does not have the required documents to operate within the Assembly. The proprietor was unable to produce the necessary papers, raising serious questions about how the business was approved.”
The committee further alleged that the food outlet may have been fraudulently granted access to operate within the precincts.
However, Ajode Restaurant owner Hillary Manga dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he had complied with all legal and regulatory requirements. He claimed he was facing undue pressure and harassment despite his efforts to operate lawfully.
“I have done everything that is required of me. I only wanted to work, but the pressure here has been overwhelming,” Manga said.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that the restaurant is being shielded by Speaker Ken Ngondi, with claims that he may have received up to Ksh 5 million to facilitate the business’s authorization.
MCAs have now called on relevant investigative and oversight agencies to probe the matter and establish the legality of the restaurant’s operations and the circumstances under which it was approved.
