Dupoto settlement scheme members allege Ksh.2.2B compensation embezzled

Members of the Dupoto settlement scheme are calling for investigations into several individuals over the alleged misappropriation of Ksh.2.7 billion meant for their compensation following the acquisition of their land in Embakasi South.  

Through their lawyer, they claim they were forcefully evicted from land they had occupied for over 30 years without proper compensation.  

On Monday, they marched to various offices, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), where they submitted a petition seeking investigations into the alleged misuse of funds.

The petition has also been sent to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  

The members are demanding accountability from Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, whom they accuse of being the chief architect and controller of the project.  

“Upon the release of the funds through his proxy lawyers, he negotiated his cut and siphoned over Ksh. 300 million. He also convinced our clients to withdraw the case,” the petition reads.  

They further claim that PS Korir appointed Johnson and Partners LLP Advocates to receive the compensation funds instead of Letangule and Company Advocates, facilitating the embezzlement of the money. 

According to the petition, all key documents, including lease and offer letters, were signed in Korir’s office, and he is accused of signing fake agreements.  

“He was involved in the signing of a fraudulent sale agreement to justify fake transactions, enabling officials to transfer money to himself,” the letter states. 

Additionally, the members want Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) investigated for allegedly facilitating corruption and misuse of public funds by knowingly disbursing the money to other lawyers instead of their legal representative.  

In 2024, the members filed a case in the Environment and Lands Court seeking to stop KRC and the National Land Commission (NLC) from making any payments related to the compulsory acquisition of their land.

They argued that despite relocating with the promise of receiving their compensation, they had not been paid the remaining amount. However, they later withdrew the case.

Through their lawyer, Thomas Letangule, they argue that despite agreeing to withdraw their case, the government has failed to honor its promise.

“Since then, we have not received any money. We have waited for over a year with no solution. I have petitioned all relevant government offices, but nothing has been done,” said Letangule.