By Diana Wenwa
Ten individuals have been charged with fraud in a KES 1 billion land deal in Nairobi, following an investigation by the DCI’s Land Fraud Investigations Unit.
Among the accused are Jacob Cartwright Owino, a Registrar of Titles at the Ministry of Land headquarters, Ardhi House, and Andrew Aseri Kirungu, a Land Administration officer. Both have also been charged with abuse of office.
The fraudulent scheme involved Owino, Kirungu, and others, including Diana Njeri Muiyuro, James Mbote Gicheha, Joseph Njoroge Kimani, Joseph Gichohi Kinyanjui, Gladys Wambui Mwangi, Mohamed Jimale Abdille, Charles Mwangi Waithaka, and George Ndungu Mumbi. They allegedly conspired to defraud Realty Brokers Limited of a prime parcel of land by falsely claiming that a letter of allotment, Ref. No. 93103, was a genuine document issued by the National Land Commission.
This falsified letter was used to facilitate the registration of the land in the name of Mwadi Women Entrepreneurs Limited.
The individuals face additional charges, including making false documents and obtaining registration by pretences.
Nine of the suspects appeared before Chief Magistrate Hon. Lucas Onyina pleaded not guilty, and were released on KES 100,000 cash bail.
However, Andrew Aseri Kirungu did not appear in court, citing illness.
The DCI’s Land Fraud Investigations Unit plays a critical role in combating fraudulent activities. It ensures the integrity of land ownership and prevents schemes that can undermine property rights, economic stability, and public trust in land transactions.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold justice and transparency in land dealings.