Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, arrested a man suspected of swindling a resident out of Ksh1.08 million by offering a non‑existent 30‑acre plot for sugarcane farming.

According to the preliminary probe, the suspect collaborated with his brothers to convince the complainant that the land was available for lease, prompting the victim to pay the full amount.

After receiving the payment, the suspect and an alleged broker vanished, leaving the victim unable to access the promised land.

Detectives launched a manhunt, using forensic leads to locate the suspect’s hideout in Gatua, where he was subsequently apprehended.

The Environment and Land Court recently clarified that fraud allegations must be specifically pleaded and strictly proved, highlighting the importance of original title deeds and forensic signature analysis as key evidence.

The suspect remains in police custody pending arraignment, where he is expected to face charges of obtaining money by false pretences.

Detectives continue to investigate the scheme’s organization and whether additional individuals were involved in the transaction.

The arrest follows a recent warning from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations about a surge in scams across Kenya, especially in Nairobi’s Kilimani, Westlands and CBD areas.