A shocking land fraud case has emerged in Nakuru, putting businessman and politician Nicholas Karunjigi Munyua at the center of a controversy that could shake the county’s political and business landscape. Munyua, a former gubernatorial aspirant, faces charges of defrauding unsuspecting Kenyans of Sh70 million in alleged land scams.
The first witness in the case revealed disturbing details of how Munyua allegedly lured victims with promises of lucrative land deals, exposing gaps in Kenya’s land transaction system and highlighting a growing pattern of property fraud.
Court Drama Unfolds Over Sh70 Million Nakuru Land Fraud
The Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego presided over the first day of hearings in a case that has attracted widespread public attention. Edward Mungatana, one of the alleged victims, took the witness stand and recounted how he was conned. According to Mungatana, Munyua falsely claimed to have purchased prime land and persuaded victims to part with millions in payment.
Munyua denied all charges when they were first presented in November 2024. He now faces multiple counts alleging that he deliberately misled several individuals about land ownership and used false pretenses to obtain large sums of money. The court has set bond at Sh5 million or a cash bail alternative of Sh1.5 million, allowing Munyua temporary freedom while the case proceeds.
Victims Speak Out On Nakuru Land Fraud
Mungatana testified that between October 30, 2022, and March 5, 2023, Munyua allegedly schemed to defraud him and Martha Francesca Mugure Ndumari of a parcel of land valued at Sh70 million. He described a well-orchestrated plan where Munyua presented himself as a legitimate buyer, only to disappear with payments.
In another case cited in the charge sheet, Munyua allegedly conned Nairobi residents John Kamau Ngugi and Florence Nyanjihia Kabata of Sh29,800,000. He reportedly claimed he could sell them land in Runda, Nairobi, even though he had no ownership rights. These accounts paint a picture of a persistent pattern of deception and raise questions about regulatory oversight in land transactions across Kenya.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The Milimani court will mention the case on December 1, 2, and 3, 2025, with more witnesses expected to testify. Each new testimony could shed additional light on Munyua’s alleged schemes and determine whether he acted alone or with accomplices. The case has highlighted the need for greater public awareness and legal protection for land buyers, especially in urban centers like Nakuru and Nairobi.
Police and investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continue to probe land fraud cases nationwide. Authorities say a specialized team at DCI headquarters is working to resolve tens of cases, including some that have escalated into violent disputes. Experts warn that Kenya’s booming real estate market remains vulnerable to fraudsters exploiting loopholes in property verification systems.
Growing Public Concern Over Land Fraud
Many Kenyans have voiced frustration over alleged scams and unfair land deals. From small-scale investors to prominent business figures, victims of land fraud report losing life savings and facing complex legal battles. The Munyua case has intensified public scrutiny of the real estate sector and amplified calls for faster legal action against fraudsters.
Observers note that the Nakuru land fraud case could serve as a cautionary tale. It highlights the urgent need for due diligence, proper legal documentation, and transparent verification processes in land transactions. Civil society groups have also urged authorities to clamp down on rogue operators and ensure that victims can reclaim their investments.
As the Milimani court continues to hear testimonies, all eyes remain on Munyua and the unfolding evidence. The Nakuru land fraud saga underscores how greed and deception can infiltrate business and politics, leaving ordinary Kenyans vulnerable.
Authorities say they are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, but the case also serves as a warning that buyers must remain vigilant before parting with hard-earned money.
