A Nairobi real estate company director has been taken to court over allegations that 22 people lost a combined KSh28 million in a housing deal.
The suspect appeared before the Makadara Law Courts following investigations by detectives from the Starehe Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He is facing several charges of obtaining money by false pretences as well as a money laundering charge.
According to investigators, the alleged fraud took place between 2024 and 2026 and involved people looking to buy homes.
The prospective buyers were reportedly shown houses of different designs and sizes, which were presented to them as part of a real estate project.
Investigators allege that the buyers were convinced by the representations and went ahead to make payments for the houses through a privately registered agency linked to the accused.
The exact circumstances surrounding the payments and the properties involved will now be dealt with through the court process.
DCI Warns Property Buyers
Following the case, the DCI has urged Kenyans to take time to confirm property details before putting their money into housing or land deals.
The agency advised potential buyers to verify ownership of the property, development claims and other information provided by sellers or agents.
“The DCI continues to urge members of the public to exercise due diligence before making financial commitments in property transactions,” the agency said.
Detectives are also asking anyone who may have dealt with the accused or the agency and believes they were affected to report the matter at the DCI Starehe Sub-County offices.
The prosecution opposed the suspect’s release on bond, with the court expected to rule on the application on Thursday.
The case will return to court on October 15 for mention as investigations and the legal process continue.
Property fraud has remained a concern, with the DCI handling other cases involving people accused of taking advantage of Kenyans looking to buy land and houses.
The latest case is a reminder to buyers to confirm ownership and other property details before making large payments.
