Former MP arrested over alleged Sh6.4 million land fraud

Arrest illustration/FILE

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested a former Member of Parliament over an alleged Sh6.4 million land fraud scheme linked to a disputed property in Ngong.

In a statement on Thursday, the DCI said the former lawmaker was apprehended by officers from the Land Fraud Investigation Unit following investigations into claims that he fraudulently obtained money from a couple through a fake land and construction deal.

According to investigators, the suspect had entered into an agreement with the couple for the sale of a parcel of land in Ngong where a double-storey house was to be constructed.

The DCI said the suspect also presented himself as the contractor responsible for developing the property.

“The total cost for the land and construction project was agreed at Sh40 million payable in instalments, after which the complainants deposited Sh6.4 million into the suspect’s account,” the DCI said.

Investigators said trouble began when the couple made routine visits to the site and allegedly discovered that there were ownership disputes surrounding the parcel of land.

The complainants reportedly overheard claims that other parties had already filed a case contesting ownership of the same property, raising suspicion over the legitimacy of the transaction.

“This revelation raised serious red flags, prompting the couple to halt any further payments,” the DCI said.

The agency said detectives launched investigations into the matter and established that the funds had allegedly been obtained through false pretences.

According to the DCI, a duplicate police file was later forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which approved charges against the suspect.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on Friday.

The offence facing the suspect relates to obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

The arrest comes amid increasing reports of fraudulent land transactions across the country, with authorities warning members of the public to exercise caution before entering into property deals.

The DCI urged Kenyans to conduct thorough due diligence, verify land ownership records and involve qualified legal professionals before making payments for land purchases or construction agreements.

“Members of the public are advised to verify ownership documents with the relevant government offices before committing finances to land transactions,” the agency said.

Detectives further warned that fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting buyers through fake title deeds, double land sales and fraudulent construction agreements.

The DCI said investigations into land fraud cases remain a priority as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in property scams.

The agency also encouraged the public to report suspected cases of land fraud and other crimes through its toll-free hotline and anonymous reporting channels.