DCI Nabs Suspect Linked to KSh900,000 Fake Land Deal

A man accused of involvement in a fraudulent land transaction worth KSh900,000 has been arrested in Othaya, Nyeri County, after months on the run from authorities.

The suspect was apprehended during a covert operation conducted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Officers from the Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) tracked him to a hideout in the Giathege area, where he was arrested and taken into custody.

The case arose from a complaint by a buyer who believed he was purchasing a genuine parcel of land in Molo. The buyer paid KSh900,000 after receiving assurances from the suspect that the property was available for sale. 

An official land search later revealed that the land was registered in another person's name, exposing the transaction as fraudulent. Investigations by detectives uncovered evidence that ownership of the land had been deliberately misrepresented. 

The suspect was subsequently charged and was scheduled to appear before the Principal Magistrate's Court in Molo on 26 May 2026. After he failed to attend the hearing, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The DCI said the suspect is currently being processed ahead of his next court appearance, with the case set to proceed through the courts. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling land fraud, which often involves forged documents and unlawful property transfers.

The arrest comes amid continued efforts by the LFIU to address property-related fraud across the country. Authorities warned that such schemes can result in significant financial losses for buyers and damage confidence in the property market.

The DCI urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing land by conducting official searches and verifying ownership documents before making any payments. Investigators noted that land fraud remains one of the most common offences in the sector.