NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into a contested land ownership dispute in Ruai, following a complaint and viral social media claims alleging unlawful takeover.
In a statement, the DCI said the complainant, Catherine Wanderi, first reported the matter at DCI Ruai on April 24, 2026, claiming that an unidentified individual had begun construction on her parcel of land.
Detectives visited the site on April 28 and advised her to record a formal statement and submit supporting documents. Although she initially presented herself at the station, she left before completing the process. The case gained public attention after a video circulated online alleging that her land had been grabbed.
Suspect presents documents, construction halted
The individual linked to the construction, identified as Abdilatif Abdikadir, was summoned by detectives and recorded a statement on May 2. According to the DCI, he presented documents, including a lease certificate, and stated that he purchased the property in 2017 through a transaction facilitated by Embakasi Ranching Company.
Authorities have since directed him to halt all construction activities pending the outcome of investigations.
On May 4, Wanderi returned to DCI Ruai, recorded her statement, and submitted supporting documents, including a share certificate from the same ranching company—highlighting competing claims rooted in documentation issued under the firm.
Inquiry file opened
The DCI confirmed that an inquiry file has been opened to establish the rightful ownership of the land, with investigators expected to scrutinize the authenticity of documents, transaction records, and allocation processes.
“Both parties have been assured of a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation,” the agency said.
Land disputes involving ranching companies are common in Nairobi’s peri-urban areas such as Ruai, where historical allocation systems, informal transactions, and overlapping documentation have often led to protracted ownership conflicts.
Public urged to avoid speculation
The DCI cautioned members of the public against drawing conclusions based on unverified online content, noting that viral videos can misrepresent facts and interfere with ongoing investigations.
The agency also encouraged citizens to report suspected land fraud and other crimes anonymously through its whistleblowing platform.
Broader governance concerns
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny over land administration and property rights in Kenya, where disputes frequently end up in court or before investigative agencies.
Under Kenya’s legal framework, land ownership is governed by statutes such as the Land Registration Act and oversight institutions, including the National Land Commission.
The DCI said investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided once findings are concluded.
