A former Member of Parliament has been arrested over an alleged multi-million shilling land fraud scheme targeting a couple seeking to invest in property in Ngong, underscoring persistent concerns over land-related scams in Kenya.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters’ Land Fraud Investigation Unit (LFIU) confirmed the arrest of Francis Njakwe Githiari, who previously represented Mathioya Constituency.
He is accused of obtaining Sh6.4 million from an unsuspecting couple under false pretences in a deal involving land purchase and construction.
“Detectives from the DCI Headquarters Land Fraud Investigation Unit (LFIU) have apprehended Francis Njakwe Githiari… for allegedly defrauding an unsuspecting couple of Sh6.4 million in a land fraud scheme,” the agency said in a statement.
According to investigators, the couple entered into an agreement with Githiari to acquire a parcel of land in Ngong, where they planned to construct a double-storey residential house.
Githiari reportedly presented himself as both the land seller and the contractor responsible for the development.
“In this arrangement, Githiari, who also identified himself as a contractor, was responsible for both selling the land and constructing the residence,” DCI stated.
The total project cost was set at Sh40 million, payable in instalments, with the couple making an initial deposit of Sh6.4 million into Githiari’s account.
However, the project stalled after the couple began routine visits to the site and encountered troubling claims regarding the ownership of the land.
“During routine visits to the construction site, the couple overheard disturbing claims of ownership issues regarding the land… prompting them to halt any further payments,” the statement added.
The couple reported the matter to authorities, triggering investigations by the DCI. Detectives say the probe uncovered evidence indicating the funds had been obtained fraudulently.
“A thorough investigation ensued, during which detectives unearthed compelling evidence that Githiari had indeed fraudulently obtained the funds,” DCI noted.
Following the investigations, a duplicate police file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against the former legislator.
“The ODPP agreed with the investigating officer’s recommendation to charge Githiari with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code,” the agency said.
Githiari was arrested at his residence in Karen and is currently in custody. He is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on May 15, 2026.
The case highlights ongoing risks in Kenya’s property sector, with authorities urging buyers to conduct thorough due diligence before entering into land transactions.