Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested former Tigania East Member of Parliament Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua, also known as βKabeabea,β in connection with an alleged land fraud scheme involving more than KSh56 million.
The former legislator, who also previously served as Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), was apprehended by officers from the DCI Headquartersβ Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) following investigations into multiple complaints from investors.
According to investigators, the first case dates back to 2016 when several investors purchased plots measuring 50 by 100 feet through Diamond Property Merchants (DPM) Ltd, a company linked to the suspect.
The complainants reportedly entered into individual agreements with the company and deposited payments directly into company bank accounts.
Police say the investors collectively paid approximately KSh16.4 million for the parcels of land located in Kajiado County.
However, the buyers later discovered that the land had allegedly been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge, while subdivision of the property was reportedly carried out without their consent.
The matter was subsequently reported to authorities, triggering investigations by the DCI.
Following completion of the inquiry, detectives forwarded the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which approved charges against the suspect for obtaining money by false pretences.
In a separate but related case, additional complainants accused the suspect and Diamond Property Merchants Company Ltd of advertising parcels of land in Kajiado that were allegedly to be developed with greenhouse projects.
According to investigators, investors paid various amounts totaling approximately KSh40.1 million after being promised title deeds and greenhouse installations.
Police say neither the title deeds nor the promised greenhouse developments were delivered.
As investigations progressed, the DPP approved further charges against the former MP.
Authorities revealed that when summoned to appear in court, the suspect allegedly failed to honor the summons, prompting the Chief Magistrateβs Court in Kajiado to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Detectives later tracked and arrested him in an operation conducted on Tuesday.
The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts before being transferred to Kajiado Law Courts, where the arrest warrant remains active.
The case has once again drawn attention to persistent land fraud cases in Kenya, where unsuspecting investors continue to lose millions through fake property deals and disputed ownership transactions.
The DCI has urged Kenyans to exercise caution when purchasing land and to conduct thorough due diligence before investing in property developments.
