Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was vindicated in his fight against city tycoon Isaack Abdullahi Ibrahim over a prime piece of property in South C, Nairobi.
Reports published by the Standard on Sunday, January 12, 2020, singled out 14 people whose names were forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji, over their alleged role in selling the piece of land that was gazetted as public land.
Sonko publicly accused the EACC of colluding with Ibrahim, going as far as alleging that the anti-corruption commission's director, Twalib Mbarak was stalling the case due to his alleged business ties with the city tycoon.
"The public property was acquired illegally. My problem with EACC is the director who is a partner to the mall owner in south C. I have shared the evidence with the commission," Sonko claimed.
The other 13 individuals singled out as persons of interest in the land saga are: John Kibira, Stephen Gathuita Mwangi, Cecilia Wangari Kariuki, Mary Gakenia, Stephen Kiranki Kanyaana, Beatrice Kangu, Eric Kangu, Jermblu Agencies, Titus Gatito Karioki, Abdirashid Maalim Dakane and James Karanja Mwangi.
Investigations reportedly claimed that Kibira and his wife Mary Gekenia posed as the vendors and allegedly pocketed Ksh8.25 million.
Stephen Mwangi was the suspected chief broker of the entire deal and is believed to have pocketed Ksh3.9 million.
The hotly contested piece of land Block 103/793 located in South C estate raised eyebrows after the private developer broke ground and started the construction of a multi-storey building.
Local residents claimed there was no public participation during the entire process.
The wetland was meant for the electricity wayleave and drainage," an EACC officer revealed to the Standard.
Ibrahim is thus under investigation for alleged fraudulent purchase of the piece of land adjacent to former Nakumatt supermarket - currently occupied by Naivas.
