Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has been ordered to appear in court on Thursday to address land fraud allegations. He is charged with conspiracy to defraud under Section 317 of the Penal Code, accused of colluding to deprive Silvya Merie of a Runda property.
Gakuya missed his initial court appearance on Wednesday, citing a High Court injunction from Judge Anthony Mrima that halted the proceedings. The legislator argued the dispute over the 0.2020-hectare parcel remains unresolved in the Environment and Land Court, calling the charges an attempt to exploit the criminal justice system.
He asserted ownership of the property, citing a current search certificate, and accused Merie of using legal and public channels to intimidate him. Gakuya alleged the charges are politically motivated, suggesting they aim to undermine his political ambitions as a UDA member and supporter of Deputy President William Ruto.
The MP also faces separate allegations of misusing constituency development funds. His legal team has yet to comment on the graft charges, which remain under investigation.
