The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a statement following videos of detectives arresting an elderly man over a disputed piece of land in Nairobi’s Lavington area.
The video shows police handcuffing the man and escorting him to the car, saying they are taking him to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road.
When questioned by his family, the detectives say they do not need a warrant to arrest him.
The incident sparked uproar from a section of Kenyans online who condemned the investigative agency for not following due process. The agency termed the video an incomplete picture of a big story.
The arrest was made following a complaint made by Munir Ahmed Chaundri, a 75-year-old Kenyan citizen currently living in the United Kingdom. Chaundri accused the current occupants, Mahesh Kumar Bhatti and Anita Bhatti, of illegally claiming ownership of the parcel.
Detectives claim Chaundri claimed to have purchased the parcel in 1977 before it was later rented to a construction company linked to the accused in 1984.
The land was subdivided in two portions, LR. No. 209/7771/1 which was sold to Mahesh and Anita Bhatti and LR. No. 209/7771/2 which was retained by the complainant.
DCI said Chaundri reported the matter in February this year, accusing the couple of denying him entry to the property, unlike previous occasions where access was granted.
The suspect in the matter, detectives added, has not provided ownership documents relating to the disputed land.
The Director of Public Prosecution directed the prosecution of Mahesh Kumar Bhatti and Anita Bhatti for the offence of forceful detainer contrary to section 91 as read with section 36 of the Penal Code.
The suspects were ordered to appear before the court to answer to the above charges. The truth lies in the facts and evidence that will be presented before court in the coming days.
