Milimani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, ordered the detention of eight individuals, including Emmanuel Mutuku Matheka, an officer at Ardhi House, for 10 days.
They are accused of involvement in land fraud and forging title deeds.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is probing Matheka, who works at the Ministry of Lands, alongside Livingstone Ambayi, a police officer, Leonard Clifford from the Government Press, and several others.
The charges under investigation include conspiracy to defraud, forgery, making false documents, obtaining registration by false pretenses, abuse of office, and fraud.
According to Investigating Officer Nicolaus Osuri Otieno, searches conducted at the suspects’ offices and residences led to the discovery of forged land certificates, leases, title deeds, land transfer documents, allotment letters, and counterfeit stamps.
The recovered stamps were found to bear official markings from the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, land registrars, land administrators, advocates, and the county governments of Kiambu and Nakuru. However, authorities confirmed that none of the arrested individuals held such official designations.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued against granting bail, stating that the suspects could interfere with ongoing investigations. The prosecution had initially requested 14 days to conclude their inquiries.
In response, the defense opposed the application, contending that the prosecution had failed to prove the suspects were a flight risk or that they would tamper with evidence.
Delivering her ruling, Milimani Court Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi found merit in the prosecution’s request. She noted that the charges under investigation were serious and that there was a significant likelihood the suspects could interfere with witnesses or crucial evidence.
“Having carefully considered the matter before me, I find the application justified. I direct that the eight respondents be detained at Muthaiga and Ruaraka police stations, as capacity allows, for a period not exceeding 10 days,” Magistrate Ndombi ruled.
The case is scheduled for mention on April 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. for further directions.
