Former Baringo MP Sammy Mwaita Arrested in Multi-Million Land Fraud Scandal
Shock and disbelief gripped Kenyans on Sunday, August 3, as former Baringo Central Member of Parliament Sammy Silas Komen Mwaita was dramatically arrested over serious land fraud allegations.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mwaita was seized by detectives in Kilimani, Nairobi. He is accused of masterminding a fraudulent plot involving two prime parcels of land along Mai Mahiu Road in Nairobi West. These plots are valued at millions of shillings.
In a bold statement, the DCI confirmed the arrest:
“Detectives have today arrested Hon. Sammy Silas Komen Mwaita at Kilimani for the offences of Conspiracy to commit a felony, Making a document without authority, Abuse of office and giving false information to a person employed in the public service.”
The arrest came after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) recommended his immediate apprehension, citing sufficient evidence.
This incident is just the latest in a series of legal troubles facing the former legislator.
Mwaita, first elected in 2007, has frequently clashed with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) since 2009, often facing accusations ranging from abuse of office to conflict of interest.
Notably, before entering politics, Mwaita served as the Commissioner of Lands between 2000 and 2003, during the tail end of President Moi’s administration.
In 2022, the EACC summoned him over alleged irregular land dealings. At the time, he was accused of the fraudulent acquisition of public property and conflict of interest during his tenure as lands commissioner.
Then in 2024, his name resurfaced in a land case involving a prime parcel in Kakamega, which had allegedly been irregularly allocated under his authority. The EACC confirmed it had begun recovery proceedings.
While speaking to local media before his arrest, a close associate of Mwaita who sought anonymity said,
“He has been living in fear of arrest for months. This issue has haunted him for over a decade.”
The arrest has triggered public outcry, with Kenyans demanding swift prosecution and justice for those affected.
As investigations continue, the former MP remains in custody, awaiting court proceedings. Kenyans now watch closely, hoping this marks a turning point in the fight against high-level corruption.
ALSO READ: Joho Appoints 83 Members to 9 Community Development Agreement Committees
Former Baringo MP Sammy Mwaita Arrested in Multi-Million Land Fraud Scandal
