Man arrested over alleged Ksh.1.08M land scam in Trans Nzoia

The suspect, identified as Philip Ouko Makete, is accused of falsely claiming ownership of a 30-acre parcel of land in Saboti, which he allegedly marketed to unsuspecting clients for sugarcane farming.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Makete allegedly worked with brokers to convince a complainant to pay Ksh.1,080,000 to lease the land.

The complainant later discovered that the land did not exist as represented, after which Makete and his alleged accomplices reportedly disappeared with the money.

Detectives launched a manhunt for the suspects and, using forensic leads, traced Makete to a hideout in Gatua, where he was arrested.

Makete is currently in police custody and is being processed for arraignment, where he is expected to face a charge of obtaining money by false pretences.

Detectives are also pursuing additional leads in an effort to locate and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the alleged scheme.