Former MP arrested in Sh56m land fraud claim

Crime scene

A former MP has been arrested over an alleged land fraud scheme that saw investors lose more than Sh56 million through suspected fake land deals.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly lured investors into purchasing plots in a prime area, presenting the venture as a lucrative investment opportunity for families and future developments.

The investors reportedly signed agreements and deposited millions of shillings into company accounts linked to the project.

However, the buyers later discovered that the land where their plots were allegedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge.

Detectives said subdivisions were also carried out without the consent of the investors.

“The parcel of land where their plots were supposedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge, and subdivision was conducted without their consent,” DCI said in a statement.

The complaints triggered investigations by officers from the Land Fraud Investigations Unit, who compiled evidence that was later forwarded to prosecutors.

Authorities subsequently approved charges of obtaining money by false pretence.

Detectives said additional complainants later emerged in a separate but related case involving another land project that allegedly promised developments and title deeds that were never delivered.

“The complainants paid various amounts totalling over Sh40 million. Unfortunately, the promised title deeds were never transferred,” DCI said.

The agency said the suspect failed to honour court summons, prompting the Chief Magistrate’s Court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

“When summoned to appear in court, he defied the summons, prompting the Chief Magistrate’s Court to issue a warrant for his arrest,” detectives said.

The suspect was later tracked down and arrested as part of ongoing efforts to combat land fraud and protect investors from fraudulent property deals.

Investigators urged Kenyans to exercise caution when investing in land and to conduct thorough due diligence before making payments.

“This case underscores the need for vigilance in land transactions, serving as a stark reminder to all Kenyans to be cautious when investing in property,” investigators said.