A major crackdown on land fraud cartels has led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of documents used in fraudulent land dealings.
In a statement on Thursday, April 3, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the multi-agency operation was carried out after intelligence reports revealed a scheme where fraudsters forged land ownership documents and other government papers to defraud innocent members of the public.
"Following intelligence received about individuals engaging in land fraud by forging land ownership documents and other government-related documents with the intent to defraud innocent members of the public of their parcels of land, authorities have conducted a multi-agency crackdown that has brought into custody several suspects," the statement read.
According to the DCI, eight suspects, including Livingstone Ambai Munala, Dan Adero Okoth and Nicholas Mukuna Ayela have been arrested.
Others apprehended were Paul Muigai Kimani, Kennedy Mulatya, Patrice Josaya Tumbo, Emmanuel Matheka Mutuku and Leonard Clifford Wafula.
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The DCI explained that each suspect was apprehended in separate operations across various locations.
Additionally, the raids on the suspects’ premises led to the discovery of multiple assorted land documents belonging to different individuals.
It included original title deeds, 287 assorted stamps, blank grant titles, allotment letters, 11 unused green cards, 101 passport-size photos, certificates of title and numerous transfer documents.
"Notably, Dan Okoth is an assistant security officer at the Ministry of Lands - Survey of Kenya, Emanuel Matheka a casual labourer at Ardhi House - Nairobi, Josaya Tumbo a land broker while Clifford Wafula works at the Government Press as a printer II," the statement continued.
The DCI noted that the suspects were arranged at the Milimani Law Courts where detectives were granted more time to complete investigations.
"The suspects have been promptly arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where detectives have been granted additional time to complete investigations and pursue other suspects linked to this fraud scheme," the DCI confirmed.
