Former MP Josphat Kabeabea arrested in Ksh.56M land fraud scandal

Former Tigania East Member of Parliament Josphat Gichunge Mwirabua, popularly known as Kabeabea, has been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations of defrauding land buyers of more than Ksh.56 million through fraudulent property deals.

The former legislator, who also served as Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), was apprehended by detectives attached to the DCI Headquarters' Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) following investigations into multiple complaints lodged by investors.

According to the DCI, the first case dates back to 2016 when several investors purchased 50-by-100-foot plots from Diamond Property Merchants (DPM) Ltd, a company linked to Mwirabua.

The buyers entered into individual sale agreements and deposited their payments directly into the company's bank accounts. Investigators say the victims collectively paid approximately Ksh.16.4 million for the plots.

However, the investors later discovered that the land parcel in Kajiado where their plots were purportedly located had been transferred to other individuals without their knowledge.

The land was also allegedly subdivided without the consent of the buyers, prompting them to file complaints with authorities.

Following investigations, the DCI forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges of obtaining money by false pretences against the former MP.

In a separate case, Mwirabua is accused of obtaining Ksh.40.1 million from investors after advertising parcels of land in Kajiado through Diamond Property Merchants Ltd, with promises that the properties would come equipped with greenhouses.

The complainants reportedly paid various amounts towards the project, but neither title deeds were transferred nor the promised greenhouses installed.

The DPP subsequently approved charges in the matter. However, the suspect allegedly failed to honour court summons, prompting the Chief Magistrate's Court in Kajiado to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Detectives tracked him down and arrested him on Tuesday.

The DCI said Mwirabua is currently in custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts before being transferred to Kajiado Law Courts, where the arrest warrant remains in force.