Minister's kin in land fraud charge

An assistant minister's brother has been charged over land fraud within Mavoko municipality.

Silvester Peter Ndeti faced four counts forging title documents of a 515.2 hectares of land in Lukenya Ranching  and Farming Company Limited. He is a brother to Youth Affairs and Sports assistant minister Wavinya Ndeti.

Mr Ndeti was accused of forging the signature of a former commissioner of lands Sammy Mwaita. The charge stated he forged the signature with intent to defraud. Mr Mwaita is the Baringo Central MP.

He was also charged with forging a title deed I R 88912 for a parcel of  land L R 339/4 in his name and that of Mr Bosco Mutuku Makau purporting that it was genuine and issued by Registrar of Titles and witnessed by the commissioner of lands.

The businessman was also accused of forging the signature of a Land registrar Jackson Kamau Wanjau for the same parcel of land.

The suspect was further accused of forging a letter of allotment dated October 14, 1998 alleging that it was issued to him and Mr Makau by the commissioner of lands.

Mr Ndeti who was arraigned in court before 9am pleaded to the charges before a senior principal magistrate Elijah Ombaga.

“I urge this court to grant me a reasonable cash bail and also direct the prosecution to supply me with witness statements to prepare my defence,” Mr Ndeti applied.

The prosecution did not oppose. "I allow the suspects plea and direct that he deposits a cash bail of Sh400,000 until March 9, 2012 when his trial commences,” Mr Ombaga ruled.

He could not immediately raise the bond and was remanded in custody.