Former Tigania East Member of Parliament Josphat Gichuge Mwirabua, widely known as Kabeabea, has been arrested by detectives investigating an alleged land fraud scheme involving more than KSh56 million.
The arrest was carried out by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Land Fraud Investigations Unit following investigations into complaints filed by dozens of investors who claim they lost millions after purchasing land through Diamond Property Merchants (DPM) Ltd, a company linked to the former legislator.
According to investigators, one of the cases dates back to 2016 when several investors purchased 50-by-100-foot plots in Kajiado County through the company. The buyers signed individual sale agreements and made payments directly into company accounts.
Detectives say the investors collectively paid approximately KSh16.5 million for the parcels. However, the buyers later discovered that the land had allegedly been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge.
Investigations further revealed that the subdivision of the property was allegedly undertaken without the consent of the purchasers, prompting the affected investors to report the matter to authorities.
Following investigations, the DCI forwarded its findings to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which approved charges of obtaining money by false pretences against the former lawmaker.
In a separate case, Mwirabua is accused of obtaining more than KSh40 million from investors through another property investment project.
Investigators allege that, while serving as a director of Diamond Property Merchants Company Ltd, he advertised land parcels in Kajiado that were to be sold together with greenhouse installations.
The complainants reportedly invested a combined KSh40.14 million in the project. However, detectives say neither title deeds were transferred to the investors nor were the promised greenhouse structures installed as agreed.
The DPP subsequently approved charges related to the second case, paving the way for prosecution.
Authorities further disclosed that Mwirabua failed to honour court summons requiring him to appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kajiado. As a result, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
Detectives tracked down the former MP and arrested him on Tuesday. He is currently in police custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts before being transferred to Kajiado, where the arrest warrant remains active.
The case has once again highlighted the ongoing challenge of land-related fraud in Kenya, with investigators urging prospective investors to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing property.
Authorities have advised members of the public to verify ownership documents, land records, and development claims before committing funds to real estate investments.
