The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a case against eleven people accused of corruption over the alleged irregular acquisition of cemetery land in Mavoko, Machakos County.

The property in question is valued at Ksh283.2 million, and the accused have been ordered to enter a defence after the court found the prosecution had established a case.

Among the accused is a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, joined by ten other individuals.

Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore delivered the ruling on 27 October 2026 in Anti‑Corruption Case No. 19 of 2010, scheduling the defence hearing for 25‑29 January 2027.

The charges include conspiracy to commit corruption, fraudulent acquisition and disposal of public property, and fraudulent procurement practices.

Investigations by the Ethics and Anti‑Corruption Commission (EACC) indicate the alleged scheme occurred between December 2008 and April 2009, involving land parcel L.R. No. 14759/2 intended for a cemetery project.

The case, filed in 2010, has progressed through the courts over several years, with the latest development moving it to the defence stage.

All accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the upcoming defence hearing will allow them to respond to the allegations.