Criminal Land Fraud Unit should crackdown cartels who have opened up offices in Athi River sub-county to fleece on Kenyans their hard earned money, says area deputy county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding’.
Omoding’ said there are many groups in Athi River, Mlolongo, Ruai and Kamulu towns operating illegal land dealing businesses.
“There are many groups operating unregistered land dealing offices in Athi River sub-county, the fraud unit should move with speed to arrest the cartels,” said Omoding’.
He spoke to this writer at his office in Athi River town on Friday.
Omoding’ said the illegally operated offices should be closed down to stop conning innocent Kenyans.
“Shut down the offices and freeze the cartels’ bank accounts,” said Omoding’.
He said members of the public should be aware of existence of cartels in the region fleecing unsuspecting clients’ their money in the name of selling them “imaginary” land.
Omoding’ said majority of the cartels had nothing to sell but land belonging to either public or private investors.
He said those intending to buy land should seek information from relevant authorities and follow due procedure before paying money to avoid falling victims to the conmen.
Omoding’ said his office will not relent on eliminating the cartels to curb the crime.
“We will deal with the cartels, illegal and various militia groups used by the land dealers and politicians accordingly,” said Omoding’.
He said they will not allow the cartels flourish in Athi River Sub County.
Omoding’ said both them and their masters, small and big fishes will be targeted to completely get rid of the cartels.
He said courts should not help the criminals by issuing court injunctions when the land invaders are arrested but instead protect genuine land owners to deter the criminals from defeating justice.
Omoding’ warned public officers from colluding with the cartels to fleece the public their money.
He said the cartels were using militia groups from within Machakos County and parts of Nairobi to attack genuine land owners and protect themselves thereby posing insecurity to the entire region.