NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives are investigating an alleged housing fraud scheme in which 22 people were reportedly defrauded of Sh28 million after being promised houses under a purported urban housing development project.
Bildad Nzuki Wambua, a director of Gladdens Homes Limited, was arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, where he was charged with multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code and money laundering.
The charges were filed in Makadara Chief Magistrate’s Criminal Case No. E5356/2026 following investigations by detectives based at the DCI Starehe Sub-County offices.
Wambua is accused of obtaining a total of Sh28 million from 22 victims through what detectives describe as a systematic scheme that operated between 2024 and 2026.
Victims allegedly promised houses
According to the prosecution, the accused targeted members of the public by representing that they could purchase houses of different designs and sizes on Land Title No. Nairobi/Block A 40/474.
The property was allegedly presented to prospective buyers as part of the Urban Housing Renewable Development LPP project.
Victims are said to have made payments through Gladdens Homes Agency, a privately registered entity associated with Wambua.
Investigators allege that the victims were induced to make the payments through representations concerning the purported housing project.
The prosecution’s case is that the representations were false and that the money was obtained through deception.
DCI investigates alleged Sh28 million fraud
The case follows investigations by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Starehe Sub-County.
The DCI has appealed to members of the public who may have entered into similar transactions with Wambua or Gladdens Homes Agency to come forward if they believe they were defrauded.
Potential victims have been urged to report to the DCI Starehe Sub-County offices for assistance and guidance.
The appeal could help investigators establish whether additional people were affected by the alleged scheme and determine the full extent of the transactions under investigation.
Prosecution opposes bond
The prosecution opposed the accused’s release on bond when he appeared in court.
The court is scheduled to deliver its bond ruling on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The case will subsequently come up for mention on October 15, 2026.
The bond proceedings will determine whether Wambua will be released pending trial and, if so, under what conditions.
Public warned over property transactions
The DCI has urged members of the public to conduct thorough due diligence before committing money to property purchases or housing projects.
Prospective buyers have been advised to verify ownership documents, development approvals, the identity and registration status of companies or agencies involved, and the legitimacy of proposed housing projects before making payments.
The agency has also encouraged members of the public to report suspected fraud promptly to law-enforcement authorities.
