Detectives have arrested a suspect involved in a high-value land fraud case in Karen, Nairobi County.

The sleuths, drawn from the Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) at DCI headquarters, accuse the suspect of forging a deed of gift and a transfer of land document to unlawfully acquire a parcel of land in the upscale area of Karen, valued at KSh200 million.

“The case came to light when a complainant reported that she had purchased the land from the rightful owner, who had since passed away,” the DCI reports. “The deceased owner had been bequeathed the said land by her late mother.”

After the complaint was lodged, the detectives launched investigations into the matter, with preliminary findings revealing that the the suspect, identified as Benick Otieno Okombo, had crafted false documents purporting ownership of the land to be a gift from the deceased owner.

The necessary evidence has since been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP). After an independent review, the ODPP supported the investigators’ findings and approved charges of forgery and the utterance of false documents against the suspect.

A manhunt ensued, leading to Okombo’s arrest at Bruce House, Nairobi, thanks to forensic leads. He is now in custody, undergoing processing in anticipation of his arraignment.

“This arrest not only highlights the ongoing efforts in the fight against land fraud but also serves as a warning to those who might attempt similar deceitful acts. The DCI is committed to protecting the rightful owners of property and ensuring accountability for those who engage in fraudulent schemes,” the investigative agency warns.