A land agent to serve three years in prison

A man has been sentenced to three years in prison for swindling a woman out of Sh11 million by pretending he could sell her land.

Basileo Miriti was found guilty by Murang’a Principal Magistrate Edwin Nyaga of conning Susan Waithira.

Mr Miriti was charged that on diverse dates between March 12, 2018, and March 17, 2018, in Kiambu and Ruiru towns, jointly with others not before court, he defrauded Ms Waithira a sum of Sh11 million by falsely claiming to sell a parcel of land Loc4/Muruka/266 to her.

Unknown place

He was also charged that on February 23, 2017, at unknown place with others not before the court, with intent to defraud, made a document purporting to have been issued by Chief Ferdinand Mwaniki of Muruka location.

While reading his judgement, Mr Nyaga said all witnesses were credible and their testimonies remained firm.

“The prosecution was able to prove the fraud charges against the accused beyond any reasonable doubt,” said Nyaga.

Miriti pleaded for leniency saying he suffers from blood pressure and was in dire need of specialised treatment.

Account deposit

During the hearing, Ms Waithira said she paid Sh1.1million to Miriti's bank account as deposit.

She said she paid another Sh9.9million after the Kandara land board gave consent to the transaction.

Chief Mwaniki disowned an introduction letter which Miriti presented to Murang’a Lands Registrar saying it was forged.

He said at no time was he aware of such a letter or the person who authored and signed it.

“I know the land owner. The accused forged the introductory letter that was presented to the registrar,” said Mr Mwaniki.

Miriti was given 14 days to appeal.