The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has filed an application in a Nairobi court seeking a 30-day detention period for six suspects to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete its investigation.
The suspects are believed to be involved in a range of offences, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery of official documents, stamp forgery, creating false documents, and obtaining registration through false pretences.
Prosecution counsel James Gachoka informed the court that the DCI is investigating Benedict Mwangangi Ngala, Joel Kakuli Mwangani, Vincent Boaz Owang, Titus Wambua Kathuku, Sylvester Mwanzia Mwanthi, and Erick Omondi Ojwang.
The court also heard that the suspects are accused of defrauding numerous investors through a large-scale scheme related to land purchases and sales, potentially implicating government officials from the State Department of Lands and Physical Planning.
In an affidavit sworn by Detective Corporal Nicholas Osuri, it was revealed that the suspects were found in possession of stamps bearing the names of land registrars, land administrators, land surveyors, and advocates, although none of the suspects holds such official positions or is affiliated with these entities.
The prosecution is also requesting an ex-parte order for Joel Kakuli to be taken to Kenyatta National Hospital to retrieve a memory card he allegedly swallowed during his arrest.
Preliminary attempts to recover the memory card at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Anti-Narcotic Unit were unsuccessful.
Additionally, the police seek more time to investigate certificates of leases and title deeds with security features that were recovered.
Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochoi is expected to deliver a ruling on this matter tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
The suspects will remain in custody at Muthaiga Police Station.
