Detectives from the Land Fraud Investigation Unit apprehend suspects following family complaint over fraudulent transfer of ancestral property.
Detectives from the Land Fraud Investigation Unit (LFIU) have apprehended Mary Muthoni Njogu and her daughter Veronica Wambui Ng’ang’a, who stands accused of orchestrating a multi-million-shilling land fraud scheme involving family property in Karatina.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint lodged by a family member acting on behalf of his siblings, alleging that the two suspects had deceitfully transferred valuable parcels of family land in Karatina, estimated at approximately Sh40 million, into their own names and those of associated companies.
Through meticulous investigations, it was uncovered that the suspects executed secret transfers from 2020 to 2023, deliberately excluding other family members from the transactions.
Case forwarded to ODPP for review
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the case file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), which, upon review, directed that the suspects be charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and Fraudulent Procurement of Title.
As a result, the mother and daughter were arrested yesterday, August 18, 2026, and are set to be arraigned at the Karatina Law Courts today, August 19, 2026.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against land fraud, which has remained a persistent challenge in the country, with many families losing ancestral property through illicit transfers and forgery.
DCI urges public to report land fraud
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious land transactions to the authorities.
The DCI further warned individuals involved in fraudulent land dealings that they would face the full force of the law, as investigations against such crimes continue across the country.
Members of the public can report any criminal or suspicious activity to the nearest police station, via the toll-free number 0800 722 203, or through WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The DCI assured citizens that all reports would be handled with utmost confidentiality and that anonymous reporting is encouraged through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.
The suspects remain in custody pending their arraignment today, while the recovered documents and evidence have been retained as exhibits for the ongoing legal proceedings.
