Lands official, five others face fraud charges

By Kurian Musa   

Kenya: Six people, including a senior Lands registrar, have been charged before a magistrate’s court with attempting to defraud 150 acres from a complainant in Mavoko.

Lands registrar Penwel Nyamweya was charged jointly with Kuya Nairina, Masikonde ole Kewua, Joshua Lengete Sarbabi, Ntuyoto Maraswa and Korouni Meoli with intention to defraud 150 acres that is part of a parcel registered as KLD/ Mailua/1226.

Nyamweya of Kajiado Lands registry is accused of arbitrarily registering and issuing another title deed.

There was tension in the court on Monday morning after a section of Maasai stormed the premises protesting that some of the accused should be set free.

Maasai disarmed

The armed Maasai group were disarmed by the police and ordered to keep calm.

Principal Magistrate T A Odera cautioned the parties in the case who may have marshalled supporters to disrupt the court process.

“The dignity of the courts must be upheld at all times. We will not allow the courts to be intimidated by spectators. This is a constitutionally established court and not a kangaroo court,” Mrs Odera told the parties.

Another title

The accused are charged that on September 30, 2010, they conspired to fraudulently take 150 acres by procuring another title deed in the name of Korouni Meoli Supati.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, the court failed to proceed with the case as one of the accused was unwell.

The lawyer for the complainant, Kuya Nairina, asked the court to expedite the matter since the old man was weak to be in court for long hours. “I have seen the age of the complainant and will hear the matter faster… The court is adjourned to March 28, 2014, for mention and hearing,” Odera said.