How Farmer Lost Ksh1 Million in Fake 30-Acre Land-Leasing Deal

Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have arrested a man accused of defrauding a farmer of more than Ksh1 million in a fake land-leasing deal involving a purported 30-acre parcel of land.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Philip Ouko Makete, allegedly posed as the owner of the prime parcel of land and marketed it to unsuspecting residents for sugarcane farming leases.

"Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have apprehended a notorious conman accused of defrauding unsuspecting residents through a deceptive land-leasing scheme," the statement read.

According to preliminary investigations, Makete allegedly worked with brokers to convince a complainant that he had a genuine 30-acre piece of land available for lease in Saboti.

The complainant was subsequently persuaded to pay Ksh1,080,000 for the purported lease. 

However, after receiving the money, Makete and his alleged accomplices reportedly disappeared, leaving the complainant with no land and no way of recovering the funds.

The DCI said investigations into the case led detectives to launch a manhunt for the suspects, with forensic leads eventually helping officers trace Makete to a hideout in Gatua.

"Detectives launched a manhunt for the suspects, and through forensic leads, trailed Makete to a hideout in Gatua, subsequently arresting him," the statement added.

Makete is currently in police custody as detectives process him for arraignment over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences.

"Now in police custody, Makete is undergoing processing pending arraignment to face charges of obtaining money by false pretences. In the meantime, detectives are pursuing additional leads to trail and apprehend other suspects who remain at large," the statement concluded.

At the same time, detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have arrested a 54-year-old man in connection with the death of a mentally challenged man who was allegedly attacked by a mob after being mistaken for a thief.

In a statement, the DCI said the incident occurred in Milimani, Kiminini, where the victim, 35-year-old Dennis Imboha, had wandered away from his home before ending up at a neighbouring homestead.

According to the DCI, residents allegedly mistook Imboha for a thief and subjected him to a violent assault.

"Kiminini detectives in Trans Nzoia County have apprehended a 54-year-old man in connection with the gruesome murder of a mentally challenged man, who was mistaken for a thief and subjected to mob injustice in Milimani Location, Kiminini Sub-County," the statement read.

According to the agency, the victim reportedly suffered serious injuries during the attack and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

"During the savage assault, Dennis suffered multiple severe injuries and was taken to Kijana Wamalwa Hospital for treatment. Tragically, despite the efforts, he succumbed to his injuries while under medical care," the statement added.

Following the development, detectives visited the scene as they began investigations into the circumstances that led to Imboha's death.

"Following this, detectives swiftly arrived at the scene to collect evidence and process the area as part of their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dennis’s death. His body was preserved at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy," the statement further read.

The DCI said an intelligence-led operation was later conducted in Milimani Location, resulting in the arrest of 54-year-old Joseph Apollo.

The DCI expressed condolences to Imboha's family and warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dennis Imboha following his tragic death. The DCI remains firmly committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding his death and ensuring that every person found culpable faces the full force of the law. 

"Members of the public are, once again, reminded to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to let the law take its due course," the statement concluded.