NAIROBI, Kenya –Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested former Tigania East Member of Parliament Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua, also known as Kabeabea, over an alleged land fraud scheme involving more than Sh56 million.
According to the DCI, Mwirabua, a former chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), is accused of obtaining money from investors through false pretences in separate land transactions linked to Diamond Property Merchants (DPM) Ltd.
Investigators said the first case dates back to 2016 when several investors purchased plots measuring 50 by 100 feet from the company.
The buyers entered into individual agreements and made payments directly into company bank accounts. The DCI said the investors deposited a total of approximately Sh16.4 million.
However, the purchasers later discovered that the parcel of land in Kajiado where their plots were allegedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge. They also found that the land had been subdivided without their consent, prompting them to report the matter to authorities.
Following investigations, detectives forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges of obtaining money by false pretences against the suspect.
In a separate case, complainants alleged that Diamond Property Merchants Ltd advertised parcels of land in Kajiado that were to be developed with greenhouses.
The investors reportedly paid various amounts totaling Sh40.14 million for the project.
According to investigators, neither the title deeds were transferred to the buyers nor were the promised greenhouses installed.
The DCI said the ODPP subsequently approved charges against Mwirabua in connection with the matter.
Authorities stated that the former legislator failed to appear in court after being summoned, prompting the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kajiado to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Detectives tracked him down and arrested him on Tuesday.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts before being transferred to Kajiado, where the arrest warrant remains in force.
The case remains under prosecution.
