Former Ambassador to Face Charges Over Illegal Land Possession in Meru County

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced that Mr. Joshua Gatimu Igweta, a former ambassador of Kenya to the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be charged with multiple offenses related to illegal land possession in Meru County. The charges follow an inquiry into allegations involving parcel Meru/Akaiga/1405.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted an investigation, revealing the existence of two parcels of land: Meru/Akaiga/1405 and Meru/Akaiga/4522, both originating from Meru/Akaiga/381. Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 was registered to the late Igweta Itaru, while Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 was registered to M’Mwithimbu M’arachi after being transferred by Igweta Itaru.

The investigation found that Joshua Gatimu Igweta is currently in illegal possession of Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405. Additionally, in 2019, Igweta obtained a new title for Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 in his name, despite the existence of an original title in Igweta Itaru’s name.

As a result, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to charge Joshua Gatimu Igweta with the following offenses:

1. Forcible Detainer, contrary to Section 91 of the Penal Code.
2. Obtaining Land Registration by False Pretenses, contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code.
3. Intermeddling with Property of a Deceased Person, contrary to Section 45(1) as read with Sub-Section (2)(a) of the Law of Succession Act.
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The ODPP emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice, with due regard for public interest, the administration of justice, and the prevention of abuse of the legal process.

The case underscores the ODPP’s dedication to addressing issues of illegal land possession and ensuring that legal procedures are followed in property transactions. Further legal proceedings are anticipated as the case develops.