DCI summons suspects in Portland land saga

DCI Headquarters on September 8, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and leaders of the Aimi ma Lukenya Society as it begins a probe into the Portland land saga.

DCI says that it is probing how hundreds of innocent families lost money in the purchase in a well-choreographed scheme.

They say that they have established a desk at the Athi River Police Station in order to collect information and evidence relevant to the investigation.

"We kindly request the affected members of the public to report at the Athi River Station immediately, carrying along any documentation or evidence in their possession that would aid in apprehending the land fraudsters, especially evidence of payments made to individuals who sold them land," reads the letter.

Others who have been summoned are members of Kitanda na Mbusya Society, Directors of Nyambogi society as well as three former Deputy County Commissioner Mavoko.

Also roped in are three former OCPDs and DCIO officers, the area chief and three registrars of land.

In the notice, DCI's Deputy Director Ireri Kamwende regretted the events that led to innocent Kenyans caught up in the buying of land in Athi River, Machakos County.

''Due to the magnitude of the Portland PLC matter, which involved significant personal losses for potential innocent victims of land fraud and the swindling of millions of shillings,'' he says.

The investigation body has urged the affected members of the public to seek assistance from the police to aid in the investigation.

"The DCI wishes to assure those affected that any information they provide will be treated with utmost confidentiality, and their security will be guaranteed," says Kamwende.

Those that have been summoned will be required to avail themselves to the officer in charge of the Land Fraud Investigations Unit at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road on October 18 from 8am.