Ex-Malili Ranch boss admits approving fraudulent Ksh.1B sale of Konza City land to Gov’t

Former Malili Ranch Board Chairperson David Ndolo Ngilai on Thursday admitted to fraud that led to the loss of Ksh.1 billion in the irregular sale and transfer of land in the Konza City Development project.

Ngilai alongside his two co-accused Leonard Kyania Kitua and Julius Mbau Nzyuko appeared before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi.

According to a statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Ngilai agreed that he oversaw the sale of 5,000 acres of land to the government through the ICT ministry without the consent of other shareholders at the aforementioned price.

“David Ndolo Ngilai today admitted signing a land sale and transfer agreement leading to Ksh.1 billion fraudulent sale to the government for Konza City project development,” the ODPP stated.

“Ngilai admitted signing approval in the sale of the 5,000 acres of land to the Ministry of Information and Communication between 2nd February 2009 and January 11, 2010, without shareholders’ resolution.”

The prosecution led by SADDP, Geoffrey Obiri and Vincent Monda, presented 31 witnesses to testify against the three directors.

DPP explained that cross-examination by the prosecution led to Ngilai confirming sealing the deal, although the government had already purchased the said land.

He further told the court that the Ksh. 1 billion was wired through the account of one Erick Mutua, an advocate, as compensation for the land.

“Ngilai stated that the ranch board members approved payment of Ksh. 28 million as legal fees and other payments for valuers contracted to evaluate the property of those who had settled and developed the land without the members’ resolution,” DPP explained.

The trio is facing six counts of conspiracy to defraud, stealing Ksh.553, 831,731 being the sale proceeds of the ranch land and breach of trust in the sale of the land without shareholders’ resolution.