Fresh investigations into an alleged fraudulent land deal have led to the arrest of a man accused of illegally acquiring a one-acre parcel in Nairobi’s Muthaiga estate valued at about Sh12 million. Detectives say the arrest follows months of investigations that ended with prosecutors approving several criminal charges against the suspect.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Robinson Mbatha Wambua, who was arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Headquarters Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) at Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi’s Westlands area. The detectives linked him to the disputed property situated along Mua Park Road in Muthaiga.
According to the DCI, the matter was first reported at DCI Starehe after a complaint was made over suspected irregular dealings involving the land. The file was later handed over to the specialised Land Fraud Investigations Unit, which took over the investigations.
During the inquiry, detectives established that Wambua, through his company, Structure Lite Ltd, allegedly “procured and uttered a fraudulent Certificate of Title” relating to the disputed property.
Once investigations were completed, the file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review, where prosecutors found there was enough evidence to proceed with the case.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), upon review, found that a prima facie case had been established and approved charges against the suspect,” the DCI said in a statement.
Wambua is set to face charges of Making a False Document, Obtaining Registration by False Pretences, Uttering a False Document, and Giving False Information to a Person Employed in the Public Service. He remains in custody as processing continues before he is presented in court.
The DCI said it will continue pursuing individuals involved in fraudulent land transactions, noting that such crimes continue to threaten genuine property ownership.
“The DCI remains unwavering in its commitment to combating land fraud, protecting property rights, and ensuring that individuals who engage in fraudulent land transactions are brought to justice,” the agency said.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to report suspected land fraud and other criminal offences through its anonymous reporting channels as investigations continue.