The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has disclosed that it has recommended charges against a former Kenyan Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran after he was accused of grabbing land.
In a statement on Thursday, July 25, the ODPP claimed that, after investigations, Joshua Gatimu Igweta was found to be in illegal possession of two parcels of land, one belonging to a deceased man.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) received an inquiry related to allegations of illegal land possession involving parcel Meru/Akaiga/1405 by Mr. Joshua Gatimu Igweta, the former ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Investigations revealed the existence of two parcels of land namely: Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 and Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522, both originating from Meru/Akaiga/381. Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 is registered to Igweta Itaru (deceased). Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 is registered to M’Mwithimbu M’arachi," the ODPP stated.
The ODPP added that Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 was transferred to M’Mwithimbu M’arachi by Igweta Itaru, and the suspect was currently in illegal possession of it.
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At the same time, the former ambassador is alleged to have obtained a title deed for the land at Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 in his name, even though there was a title deed in the name of the deceased.
"In 2019, Joshua Gatimu Igweta obtained another title for Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 in his name, even though a title in the name of Igweta Itaru still existed,” remarked the ODPP.
The ODPP recommended charging Joshua Gatimu Igweta with forcible detainer, contrary to Section 91 of the Penal Code.
It further recommended charging the suspect with land registration by false pretenses, contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code, and intermeddling with property of a deceased person, contrary to Section 45(1) as read with sub-Section (2)(a) of the Law of Succession Act.
