Detectives have summoned Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and 29 others to record statements over the sale of land owned by Portland Cement Company where hundreds of families are crying after losing their homes that were demolished.
This land became the subject of extensive controversy when a court-sanctioned repossession exercise led to the demolition of numerous homes, leaving many people who purchased property in the area as victims of fraud.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says preliminary investigations have shown most buyers were defrauded and wants culprits prosecuted.
“There is credible information indicating that some of the individuals being evicted from the land in question are innocent buyers who fell victim to fraudsters,” the DCI said in a statement that listed the Mavoko MP among the suspects required to record a statement on Wednesday morning.
And to assist with the ongoing investigation, the DCI has established a dedicated desk at the Athi River Police Station. This desk is aimed at collecting information and ownership documents from unsuspecting land buyers in the affected area.
The full list of those under investigation includes:
Hon. Makau Patrick King’ola – MP, Mavoko
Julius Mutie Mutua – Chairman, Aimi Ma Lukenya Society
Pascal Kiseli Basilio Mungui – Treasurer, Aimi Ma Lukenya Society
Alex Kyalo Mutemi – Secretary, Aimi Ma Lukenya Society
Jonathan Mutisya Muinde – Organizing Secretary, Aimi Ma Lukenya Society
Mutua Kathungu
Wilson Munguti
Members of Kitanda na Mbusya Society
Ben Muemi
Omar Shurie
Ben Mulei
Nicodemus Mulei
Anthony Muthoka
Titus Munywoki
Philip Kilonzo
Chris Ougo
Directors of Nyambogi Society
Charles Wambugu – Former Deputy County Commissioner, Mavoko
David Juma – Former Deputy County Commissioner, Mavoko
Geoffrey Omonde – Former Deputy County Commissioner, Mavoko
Kizito Mutoro – Former OCPD, Mavoko
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Sharma Wario – Former OCPD, Mavoko
Samuel Mukuusi – Former OCPD, Mavoko
Joseph Mumira – Former DCIO, Mavoko
Martin Korongo – Former DCIO, Mavoko
Vincent Kipkorir – Former DCIO, Mavoko
Cecilia Mbete Nzioka – Chief, Athi River Location
Charles Kipkirui Ngetich – Registrar of Lands
S.C Njoroge – Registrar of Lands
G.G Gachihi – Registrar of Lands
While many buyers lamented the demolition of their homes, it has emerged that they were warned against investing in the disputed land through letters dating as far back as 2014. These letters indicated that the land was legally owned by the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC). The land had initially been sold under the community group Aimi Ma Lukenya Society, but its ownership and leadership had changed over the years.
Despite court rulings on land ownership, affected homeowners argue that they were not given any prior notice of the demolitions. The destruction of their properties came swiftly, leaving them in dire straits. Some homeowners had taken loans and paid government fees for building approvals, leading them to question the legality of the demolitions. The situation has left many residents facing significant financial losses and uncertainty.
The history of the land dates back to 2010 when squatters initially settled on the property after Portland Cement ceased its mining activities. What began as an informal settlement soon became a lucrative land-selling opportunity that attracted investors and homeowners. Local leaders and affected homeowners have called on the government to halt the demolitions, arguing that the land should have reverted to the community after the cement company concluded its mining operations.
The case has raised concerns about land fraud and the plight of those who invested in the disputed property, leaving the affected parties seeking justice.
