The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has initiated legal proceedings against Mr. Joshua Gatimu Igweta, a former Kenyan ambassador to Iran, following allegations of illegal land possession in Meru County.

The inquiry focused on two parcels, Meru/Akaiga/1405, currently held by Igweta, and Meru/Akaiga/4522, registered to a deceased individual, Igweta Itaru.

“Investigations revealed the existence of two parcels of land namely: Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 and Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522, both originating from Meru/Akaiga/381. Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 is registered to Igweta Itaru (deceased). Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 is registered to M’Mwithimbu M’arachi,” the ODPP stated.

The ODPP also stated that Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/1405 was transferred to M’Mwithimbu M’arachi by Igweta Itaru, and the suspect was currently in illegal possession of it.

Following a thorough investigation conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), it was established that Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 is still registered under the name of Igweta Itaru, despite Mr. Igweta obtaining a new title for this parcel in 2019.

“In 2019, Joshua Gatimu Igweta obtained another title for Parcel No. Meru/Akaiga/4522 in his name, even though a title in the name of Igweta Itaru still existed” said the ODPP.

The DPP has decided to charge Igweta with forcible detainer, obtaining land registration by false pretenses, and intermeddling with the property of a deceased person.

The ODPP emphasizes its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in this matter.