NAIROBI, Kenya — A Nairobi-based advocate has been arrested over allegations of misappropriating Sh49.4 million that had been entrusted to him to facilitate the purchase of a parcel of land in Nairobi.
The lawyer, Ally Ahmed Ally, was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi Regional Office based in Kilimani and is under investigation for the offence of stealing by an agent.
According to the DCI, the advocate, who practises under the law firm Rasheed Rage and Nassir Advocates, is accused of diverting Sh49,400,500 entrusted to him by a client for a land acquisition.
Investigators said the money was remitted to the lawyer in several transactions between November 16, 2023, and January 3, 2024, on the understanding that it would be used to facilitate the purchase of a parcel of land in the capital.
However, detectives allege that instead of completing the transaction as agreed, the advocate diverted the funds for personal use.
The arrest followed investigations conducted by the DCI Nairobi Regional Office after the complainant reported the alleged misappropriation.
The suspect is currently being held in police custody as detectives complete processing before presenting him in court.
He is expected to be charged with stealing by an agent contrary to Section 283(b) of the Penal Code.
The offence of stealing by an agent applies where a person entrusted with property or money on behalf of another unlawfully converts it for personal use.
The DCI has not disclosed the identity of the complainant or provided further details regarding the disputed land transaction. The matter is expected to proceed to court once the suspect is formally arraigned.
