Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Francis Maina Ndegwa, a suspect accused of orchestrating a Ksh50 million Pangani land fraud scheme in Nairobi County.
The arrest follows Ndegwa’s failure to appear for plea-taking on February 19, 2026, at the Milimani Law Courts. Investigators say Ndegwa allegedly forged the signatures of the land registrar, a land administrator, and legal advocates in a bid to unlawfully evict the legitimate owners of a prime property.
The suspect is now in custody, awaiting arraignment tomorrow, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle sophisticated land fraud operations.
DCI Breaks Pangani Land Fraud Scheme
According to the DCI, Ndegwa’s scheme involved procuring a Certificate of Lease through fraudulent means, a direct violation of Section 103(1)(C)(i) of the Lands Registration Act. The forged documents were intended to give him illegal ownership of the Pangani property, valued at Ksh50 million, and facilitate the eviction of its lawful owners. The officials whose signatures were falsified have denied any involvement, exposing the elaborate nature of the scheme.
When Ndegwa failed to present himself before the magistrate, authorities immediately issued a warrant of arrest. A coordinated manhunt ensued, ultimately leading to his capture. The DCI describes this apprehension as a critical victory in its ongoing campaign against illegal land dealings, sending a strong message to would-be fraudsters that such actions will meet swift justice.
The arrest also reflects the increasing sophistication of investigative efforts by the DCI Land Fraud Investigations Unit, which has employed meticulous forensic document verification and intelligence gathering to unearth fraudulent operations. Officials insist that protecting the interests of genuine property owners remains a top priority, and the Pangani case underscores their commitment to upholding the law.
Forgery and Fraud Under Kenyan Law
The charges against Ndegwa highlight the legal framework designed to combat land fraud in Kenya. Section 103(1)(C)(i) of the Lands Registration Act criminalizes the fraudulent procurement of documents related to land registration, including Certificates of Lease. Any individual found guilty under this law faces severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
Authorities emphasized that forging signatures of government officials and legal practitioners is a serious offence that undermines public confidence in the land registration system. In the Pangani case, Ndegwa allegedly manipulated multiple stakeholders’ identities to facilitate a multi-million-shilling scam. Investigators argue that such schemes are increasingly targeting high-value urban properties, making vigilance by both authorities and citizens critical.
Pattern of Land Fraud Across Nairobi and Beyond
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on land fraud that has plagued Nairobi and other urban centers. In December 2025, three suspects were detained for attempting to illegally acquire 7.5 acres of NSSF land in Athi River, valued at Ksh350 million, using counterfeit transfer documents. In the same month, another suspect was held for forging documents to seize a Ksh200 million property in Karen.
Earlier, in November 2025, a court nullified a bank charge on a Sh1.19 billion property in Loresho after investigators discovered duplicate, forged title deeds fueling a fraudulent scheme. The trend continued into January 2026 when former Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita was arrested over a scandal involving prime land on Mai Mahiu Road. These cases illustrate a growing problem of urban land theft and the lengths to which fraudsters will go to manipulate legal and bureaucratic systems.
The DCI maintains that coordinated operations like the Pangani arrest are essential for dismantling networks of land fraudsters. By employing both investigative rigor and legal enforcement, authorities aim to safeguard legitimate property owners and restore integrity to Kenya’s land registration system.
Protecting Citizens and Upholding Justice
Experts say that the Pangani land fraud case exemplifies the vulnerabilities in the property market and the importance of due diligence by landowners and investors. Fraudsters often exploit gaps in verification processes, particularly when documents are signed or processed without thorough oversight.
The DCI warns that citizens must be vigilant, insisting on proper documentation, verification of title deeds, and consultation with registered legal practitioners before transacting in property. Authorities assert that public awareness, coupled with law enforcement vigilance, can significantly reduce opportunities for land fraud.
With Ndegwa in custody, the DCI signals that Pangani land fraud and similar schemes will not be tolerated. Investigators pledge to continue uncovering and prosecuting individuals involved in fraudulent land dealings, ensuring that justice prevails and that Kenya’s property market remains secure for rightful owners.
