The Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) latest arrest of a woman wanted in a multi-million-shilling land fraud case has once again thrust Kenya’s troubled real estate sector into the spotlight, as dozens of investors continue demanding answers over a separate controversial property dispute involving Havenfields Real Estate Ltd in Kitengela.
Although the two cases are unrelated, the fresh arrest has reignited public debate over persistent land fraud, weak consumer protection and the growing risks facing Kenyans investing in property.
The DCI on Thursday announced the arrest of Nancy Wamuyu Njai, who had been on the run after a warrant of arrest was issued against her by the Kajiado Chief Magistrate’s Court in December 2025.
She is expected to appear before the Kajiado Law Courts alongside co-accused Josephat Gichuge Mwirabua, alias “Kabeabea,” and Robert Mwarangu, who had already been arrested and charged.
DCI uncovers alleged land fraud scheme
According to investigators, the case dates back to 2016, when several investors purchased plots at Bethany Phase III in Kajiado County from Diamond Property Merchants Ltd.
Buyers were allegedly promised ownership of residential plots as well as lucrative greenhouse farming projects that would generate regular income.
However, investigators say the promised investment never materialised.
Instead, detectives established that before individual title deeds could be issued to buyers, the mother title was allegedly transferred to the wife of one of the suspects.
Police further allege that the land was later subdivided and portions sold to other unsuspecting buyers, while the title was reportedly used to secure a KSh15 million bank loan.
The DCI also claims prospective investors were recruited through advertisements by Nguzo International, a company allegedly associated with Nancy Wamuyu Njai, which promoted greenhouse agribusiness opportunities linked to the land project.
The suspect is currently in police custody awaiting arraignment.
In its statement, the DCI urged Kenyans to exercise caution before purchasing land.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains relentless in its crackdown on land fraud and urges members of the public to exercise due diligence before purchasing property by verifying ownership documents with the relevant government agencies.”
Havenfields dispute resurfaces
The arrest comes as pressure continues mounting on Havenfields Real Estate Ltd and its Managing Director Paul Waihenya over a long-running dispute involving a land project in Kimalat, Kitengela.
Unlike the DCI case, no criminal charges have been announced against Havenfields Real Estate Ltd or its management, and the company has not been implicated in the Bethany Phase III investigations.
However, affected Havenfields buyers say the latest DCI action underscores the urgent need for greater accountability across Kenya’s property sector.
Dozens of investors have publicly claimed they paid hundreds of thousands of shillings for 50×100 plots marketed by Havenfields, believing they were investing in prime property within the rapidly expanding Kitengela area.
According to the buyers, the project was marketed as offering secure ownership, title deeds and long-term investment opportunities.
Years later, they claim they discovered that the land had become affected by government acquisition processes and other ownership complications, leaving many unable to take possession of the plots they had paid for.
Buyers demand refunds
The dispute has generated growing frustration among investors, many of whom say they committed life savings, retirement benefits, business capital and bank loans to purchase the plots.
Several buyers allege they have spent years attending meetings, writing letters and engaging the company in an effort to resolve the matter.
The controversy escalated further after some investors were reportedly offered alternative parcels of land in Malindi instead of the Kitengela plots.
However, affected buyers argue that the proposed land does not match the value, location or investment potential of the original property.
Some who visited the alternative sites say the parcels are located far from Malindi town and lack essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water.
The investors insist they are seeking either:
- Full refunds, together with interest and compensation for losses suffered; or
- Alternative plots of equal or greater value within Nairobi or its surrounding areas.
Spotlight on Kenya’s land sector
The latest DCI arrest and the continuing Havenfields dispute have once again highlighted longstanding challenges within Kenya’s property market.
Land fraud remains one of the country’s most common economic crimes, with buyers frequently falling victim to forged title deeds, double allocations, multiple sales of the same parcel, fraudulent transfers and fake investment schemes.
Property experts have consistently urged prospective buyers to carry out comprehensive due diligence before purchasing land.
This includes verifying ownership records with the Ministry of Lands, conducting official land searches, confirming zoning regulations, checking for court disputes or compulsory acquisition notices, and engaging qualified legal professionals throughout the transaction process.
Growing calls for tighter regulation
Consumer rights advocates say the increasing number of disputed land transactions demonstrates the need for stronger oversight of property developers, estate agents and land-selling companies.
They argue that enhanced regulation, stricter enforcement of land laws and greater transparency in property transactions would significantly reduce losses suffered by unsuspecting investors.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the ongoing Havenfields dispute as affected buyers continue demanding a lasting resolution, while the DCI’s latest land fraud arrest serves as another reminder of the risks that continue to confront Kenyans seeking to invest in one of the country’s most sought-after assetsβland.