By Reporter
Twelve accused persons in the Sh283.2 million Nairobi City cemetery land scandal have been placed on their defence after the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court ruled that they have a case to answer.
Principal Magistrate Hon. Celesa Okore delivered the ruling on 27 October 2026 in Milimani Anti-Corruption Case No. 19 of 2010, with the defence hearing scheduled for 25–29 January 2027.
The accused are Sammy Kipng’etich Kirui, Mary Ngechi Ng’ethe, Alexander Musanga Musee, Maina Chege, Naen Rech Limited, Newton Omondi Osiemo, Alphonce Mutinda, Paul Chapia Onduso, Davies Odero Osiemo, Joseph Owino K’ojwando, Daniel Mulwa Nguku and Herman Stevens Chavera.
They face various charges, including conspiracy to commit corruption, fraudulent acquisition and disposal of public property, and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings.
However, proceedings against the second accused, Mary Ngechi Ng’ethe, are subject to a stay granted by the Court of Appeal pending determination of the matter before the superior court.
The case stems from allegations of a scheme to defraud the Ministry of Local Government and the defunct City Council of Nairobi of public funds intended for the purchase of land for use as a cemetery.
Investigations by the EACC established that between December 2008 and April 2009, the accused conspired to defraud the two institutions of KSh283.2 million by presenting the amount as the purchase price for land parcel L.R. No. 14759/2, purportedly intended for use as a public cemetery.
Investigations revealed that various accused persons fraudulently acquired different sums of public money in February 2009, ranging from KSh8 million to KSh281.3 million.
Investigations further established that the accused fraudulently disposed of KSh117 million belonging to the City Council of Nairobi and the Ministry of Local Government, purportedly presenting the amount as proceeds from the sale of the cemetery land by Naen Rech Limited.
