This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
On June 28, 2021, a significant victory was achieved in the fight against land cartels in Nairobi's Utawala area. Senior NIS officer Francis Nyangure was finally handed over his plot title deed, a feat that was made possible through the intervention of the Principal Secretary Ministry of Lands, Dr. Muraguri.
The plot, valued at Sh44.5 million, had been at the centre of controversy for two years, with land cartels claiming ownership. However, the officer's determination and the support of the Principal Secretary led to the successful issuance of the title deed.
According to the officer, President Uhuru's intervention in August 2020 played a crucial role in formalizing the process and ensuring that the officer received the title deed. However, despite the President's efforts, land cartels had already issued a fake title to the fraudsters, which now needs to be degazetted.
Investigations have revealed that the fraudsters' ring is well-connected, with ties to the Embakasi Ranching Company, Survey of Kenya, and the Ministry itself. Four key members in the latter two institutions have been identified for their involvement in the land racket, which has been on the rise, particularly on land owned by companies.
The DCI officers played a significant role in thwarting the fraudsters' bid to acquire the officer's plot, and in the process, they identified the four senior staff members for a thorough scrutiny of their involvement in the land racket.
