Former Tigania East MP arrested over Ksh56M land fraud
By Francis Muli, June 9, 2026Former Tigania East Member of Parliament Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua, popularly known as Kabeabea, has been arrested by detectives over fraud worth more than Ksh56 million through a series of disputed property transactions in Kajiado County.
The arrest was carried out by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) following investigations into complaints lodged by dozens of investors who claim they lost millions of shillings after purchasing plots through Diamond Property Merchants (DPM) Ltd, a company linked to the former legislator.
According to investigators, the first case dates back to 2016 when several investors bought 50-by-100-foot plots from DPM Ltd. Each buyer entered into separate sale agreements and made payments directly into company bank accounts.
Detectives say the victims collectively paid approximately Ksh16.5 million for the parcels. However, the buyers later discovered that the land in Kajiado where the plots were purportedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge. Investigations further revealed that subdivision of the property had allegedly been carried out without the consent of the purchasers.
The aggrieved investors subsequently reported the matter to authorities, triggering investigations by the DCI.
Following the probe, investigators forwarded their findings to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which approved charges of obtaining money by false pretences against the former MP.
In a separate case, Mwirabua is accused of obtaining more than Ksh40 million from investors through another land investment scheme.
According to investigators, the former MP, in his capacity as a director of Diamond Property Merchants Company Ltd, advertised parcels of land in Kajiado that were to be sold together with greenhouse installations.
The complainants reportedly paid a combined Ksh40.14 million for the investment project. However, detectives say neither title deeds were transferred to the buyers nor were the promised greenhouses installed.
The DPP subsequently approved charges in the second case as well.
Authorities said Mwirabua failed to honour court summons requiring him to appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kajiado, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Detectives tracked him down and arrested him on Tuesday.
The former lawmaker is currently in police custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts before being escorted to Kajiado, where the arrest warrant remains in force.
The case highlights the persistent challenge of land-related fraud in Kenya, with investigators urging members of the public to conduct thorough due diligence before investing in property.
The DCI said the matter serves as a reminder for prospective buyers to verify ownership documents, land records and development claims before committing funds to real estate transactions.