By Njoroge David
Police have arrested 10 suspects in Nairobi over what investigators describe as an organised land fraud network believed to have executed some of Kenya’s most elaborate property scams.
The early morning sting on Friday was led by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under the Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU), headed by Chief Charles Mutua.
According to police, the suspects allegedly forged title documents, manipulated records at the Ministry of Lands, and transferred ownership of properties without consent. Investigators say the group’s activities have caused losses to property owners, buyers, lenders, and developers, fuelling land disputes across the country.
Detectives say one of the suspects, described as a land broker, allegedly used insider connections to access and alter sensitive records. Police believe he has acquired several properties through questionable dealings, calling him a central figure in ongoing land fraud investigations.
Also in custody are Ministry of Lands personnel accused of facilitating tampering with registry records and helping issue forged title deeds. Investigators say the arrests point to collusion within key offices responsible for safeguarding public land records.
Three other suspects are alleged to have produced forged documents, including title deeds, allotment letters, and survey maps, while four others reportedly handled the distribution and authentication of the documents in property transactions.
Detectives recovered about 800 assorted land documents, including title deeds, green cards, survey plans, allotment letters, and signed sale agreements.
They also seized more than 150 suspected falsified identity cards, government seals, 10 printing machines, electronic devices, passports, and laptops believed to contain transaction records.
Mutua said the suspects will be charged with offences including fraud, forgery, obtaining land by false pretence, impersonation, and conspiracy to defraud.
“This marks a major step in disrupting alleged land cartels that have ruined families and undermined property ownership for years,” said Mutua.
He noted that investigations are ongoing to trace additional accomplices and recover land parcels suspected to have been obtained through fraud.
