Police probe Sh2b land fraud in Nairobi

Police are investigating an attempt to irregularly transfer ownership of a Sh2 billion property in Westlands, Nairobi.

Detectives are questioning officials at the ministry of Lands and Sheria House in the fraud probe involving property owned by Madina Homes Ltd.

A lawyer for the property owner has written to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Ministry of Lands and National Land Commission alerting them of the fraud.

Ali Maamud of Ali and Company Advocates has also placed a caveat emptor in the newspapers warning against the planned fraudulent acquisition of his client's property.

In the letter dated January 4, Maamud says a private developer had applied for a provisional certificate of the title which is almost being issued.

Those attempting to make the changes claim they had been granted power of attorney to transfer the property, a claim rejected by the lawyer.

"The anonymous whistleblower who informed our client of the fraudulent dealings stated that the same is being perpetrated with the assistance of a very senior staff at your ministry and we request for an urgent and in-depth investigation," the letter to Lands CS Charity Ngilu says.

In the caveat emptor, Maamud said some persons had through misrepresentation tried to make changes at the Companies Registry using fraudulent means to effect transfer of the properties.

Monday, officers from land fraud unit said they have so far questioned officials at Sheria House, ministry of Lands and county government as part of their investigations.

DCI Ndegwa Muhoro said investigation was progressing well.