Anti-corruption agency probes administrators over land scam

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations against a Deputy County Commissioner and his two assistants over their alleged link to a dubious land deal in Turbo sub-county, Uasin Gishu.

Administrators on the radar of the anti-graft agency include Charles Ingiha, who is in charge of Turbo sub-county and his assistants E.M Njue and Edna Gesare

This was after Jane Muthoni (pictured), a widow aged 80, lodged a complaint with EACC North Rift regional office, claiming that the administrators were working in cahoots with a church to dispose of her wealth.

In her complaint to EACC, Muthoni alleged a fraudulent land sale agreement dating back to November 22, 2014 in which she is said to have offered for sale her suit property.

According to documents obtained by People Daily, the transaction involved Eldoret Municipality Block 23 (King’ong’o), purportedly sold by Jane Muthoni as the vendor to the Kenya Foundation of Prophetic Church, represented by Bishop Josephat Njuguna.

Agreement indicated the purchase of a 1/8-acre parcel for Sh700,000, with a partial cash payment of Sh300,000 and the remaining Sh400,000 settled on November 22, 2016.

However, discrepancies arose as the church allegedly received a title deed for a 1/4-acre plot, contradicting the original 1/8-acre purchase.

To the shock of the family, they received a letter from Njue, offering two options, either extract a portion from the existing land for the church or sell the excess land to the church for Sh500,000.

On October 24, 2023, Njue summoned the widow and her children to a meeting, where they were coerced into signing the land sale agreement in the presence of Gesare. In a new twist of event, Muthoni’s son, Joshua Nganga, was arrested on fabricated charges, while her daughter, Virginia Kabiru went into hiding on learning that sleuths were after her over her refusal to sign the land transition.
Gesare, in a letter dated March 6, 2024, threatened to ensure the remaining family members signed the sale agreement.

“Take further note that this is a must-attend meeting to all as it is causing insecurity to individuals as well as properties,” the letter signed by Gesare.

Gesare warned Muthoni’s family that this shall be the final meeting for any negotiations and that her office shall give the direction over the matter and thereafter get into other means of enforcing the matter. Charles Rasugu, the EACC North Rift region boss, while confirming the matter, assured his commitment to carry out thorough investigation into potential abuse of office by Government officers.

He said they will also investigate Bishop Gichuhi to establish how he acquired title deeds for the disputed parcel of land the widow is claiming ownership.

Turbo Deputy Commissioner Charles Ingiha and his assistants did not respond to our calls and messages.
Turbo sub-county has a history of land-related fraud cases implicating national and county officials. Weighing in on the matter, Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale promised to look into the issue to ensure justice for the warring parties.