Detectives nab one in Ksh900k land fraud in Othaya
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 6, 2026Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters’ Land Fraud Investigations Unit have arrested a person of interest linked to a land fraud scheme that saw a buyer lose Ksh900,000 in a disputed property transaction.
Taking it to their X handle on Friday, June 5, 2026, the DCI has noted that the complainant believed they were purchasing a legitimate parcel of land in Molo and proceeded to pay Ksh900,000 after being convinced that the transaction was genuine.
“Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU), have apprehended a cunning land fraudster who swindled an unsuspecting buyer out of Sh900,000,” the DCI noted in a statement.
However, the deal unravelled after the buyer conducted an official land search, which revealed that the property was registered under a different owner and not the individual who had facilitated the sale.
Prior contempt of court
The discovery prompted detectives to launch investigations into the matter, leading to court proceedings before the Principal Magistrate’s Court in Molo.
The case was scheduled for a hearing on May 26, 2026, but the person of interest failed to appear in court, prompting the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
Acting on intelligence leads, detectives tracked the individual to a hideout in the Giathege area of Othaya, Nyeri County, where the arrest was effected.
The individual is currently in custody, undergoing processing, and is expected to be presented before the court as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
The case highlights the persistent challenge of land fraud in the country and serves as a reminder to prospective buyers to conduct thorough due diligence, including official land searches, before committing funds to property transactions.
The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of land fraud and other crimes through its anonymous reporting channels.