A Nairobi-based advocate has been arrested over the alleged theft of Sh49.4 million in a failed land transaction, highlighting renewed scrutiny on fraud within Kenya’s property sector.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi Regional Office confirmed the arrest of Ally Ahmed Ally within Kilimani Sub-County.
The suspect, who practises under the firm of Rasheed Rage and Nassir Advocates, is accused of stealing by agent, contrary to Section 283(b) of the Penal Code.
the DCI outlined the circumstances leading to the arrest.
“Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Regional Office have arrested Ally Ahmed Ally, an advocate, over the alleged theft of Sh49.4 million entrusted to him for the purchase of a parcel of land in Nairobi,” the agency said.
Investigations indicate that the complainant entrusted the lawyer with Sh49,400,500 across multiple transactions between November 16, 2023, and January 3, 2024.
The funds were intended to facilitate the acquisition of land within Nairobi.
However, the transaction reportedly did not proceed as planned.
“Investigations established that the complainant entrusted the suspect with Sh49,400,500 on diverse dates… to facilitate the purchase of the land,” the DCI stated.
Authorities allege that instead of completing the transaction, the advocate diverted the funds for personal use, prompting a formal complaint and subsequent investigations.
“Instead of applying the funds for the intended transaction, the suspect allegedly diverted the money and unlawfully converted it to his own use,” the statement added.
The suspect is currently in custody as detectives complete processing ahead of his court appearance.
“Ahmed is currently in lawful custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the DCI confirmed.
The case adds to a growing list of disputes involving advocates and high-value land transactions, an area that has repeatedly drawn concern from regulators and industry stakeholders.
The Law Society of Kenya is expected to monitor the case closely, as it falls within broader concerns over professional conduct and accountability in the legal sector.