Former MP arrested in Ksh56 million land scam probe
Former Tigania East Member of Parliament (MP) Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua has been arrested
Former Tigania East Member of Parliament (MP) Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua has been arrested by officers in connection to a controversial land fraud scheme.
The former lawmaker, popularly known as Kabeabea, was apprehended by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on allegations of defrauding investors of more than Ksh56 million.
Mwibarua, who previously served as chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), was apprehended by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters’ Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) following investigations into multiple complaints linked to land sales in Kajiado County.
According to the DCI, the first case dates back to 2016 when several investors purchased plots measuring 50 by 100 feet an agency.
The buyers entered into separate sale agreements with the company and made payments directly into accounts associated with the suspect.
Investigators say the victims collectively paid approximately Ksh16.4 million for the parcels, but later discovered that the land on which the plots were allegedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge.
The subdivision of the land was also reportedly undertaken without the consent of the buyers.
After noticing they had been duped, the affected investors subsequently reported the matter, triggering investigations by the DCI.
“Following a thorough investigation, the findings were compiled and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Upon review, the DPP agreed with the investigators’ recommendations to charge the suspect with the offence of Obtaining Money by False Pretences,” DCI said in a statement.
The case file has since been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges of obtaining money by false pretences against the former MP.
Incidentally, Mwirabua is also accused of using his company to advertise land parcels in Kajiado that were allegedly to be developed with greenhouses.
Investigations revealed that investors invested a combined Ksh40.14 million after being promised title deeds and greenhouse installations.
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The title deeds, however, were allegedly never transferred to the buyers. The promised agricultural infrastructure was also never established.
DCI said investigations into the second case also resulted in recommendations for prosecution, which were subsequently approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The former lawmaker was summoned to appear before the court, but he allegedly failed to honour the summons, prompting the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kajiado to issue a warrant for his arrest. He was tracked down on Tuesday, June 9.
“Kabeabea” served as the Member of Parliament for Tigania East for the 2007–2013 term after being elected in the 2007 General Election.
He was elected on the Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket, which was the political party aligned to then-President Mwai Kibaki.
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