Pilot Charged in Sh250M Karen Land Fraud Case

A Nairobi court has charged 39-year-old pilot Eric Agola Lugalia in a high-profile Sh250 million land fraud case involving alleged forgery of a title deed and multiple signatures, including that of the late Jonathan Kipkemboi Toroitich, son of former President Daniel Arap Moi.

Lugalia was arraigned before Milimani Principal Magistrate Muthoni Nzibe, where he denied 11 counts related to forgery, making false documents, and presenting forged documents to investigators.

Alleged Forgery Scheme

According to the prosecution, the accused orchestrated an elaborate scheme to fraudulently acquire a prime parcel of land in Karen, Nairobi, by creating and using forged land documents.

The disputed property is parcel IR No. 1160/308 (originally IR No. 1160/248/2), located along Bogani Road, measuring approximately 1.970 hectares, and valued at about Sh250 million.

Prosecutors allege that Lugalia created a fake certificate of title, IR No. 99256 LR No. 1160/308, dated August 2, 2005, which he falsely presented as a genuine document issued by the Ministry of Lands.

Forged Signatures of Land Registrars and Moi’s Son

The prosecution told the court that Lugalia forged the signatures of three land registrars based at Ardhi House, Nairobi:

• Fredric Indoko Lubullelah

• George Gichimu Gichihi

• Peter Mburu Ng’ang’a

In addition, he is accused of forging the signature of Jonathan Kipkemboi Toroitich on:

• A sale agreement dated January 15, 2015

• A land transfer instrument dated March 12, 2015

The forged documents were allegedly presented as authentic and purportedly attested by High Court advocate Sonye J. Ondari.

Presentation to DCI Officers

Court records indicate that on July 1, Lugalia allegedly presented the forged title deed, sale agreement, and transfer instrument to Sergeant Lawson Shuma at the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road, claiming they were genuine.

Bail Granted, Media Access Allowed

Through his lawyers, Lugalia sought lenient bail terms, arguing that the criminal case was instituted while there is an ongoing High Court civil dispute over the ownership of the land.

“This matter commenced while there is a pending superior court case to determine the true owner of the land, since both Lugalia and Herd claim to be the bona fide owner,” Magistrate Nzibe observed.

State prosecutor Winnie Moraa did not oppose the bail application.

The court released Lugalia on a bond of Sh300,000 with one surety or an alternative cash bail of Sh150,000.

Magistrate Nzibe also rejected an application to bar the media from reporting on the case, emphasizing the public interest surrounding the proceedings.

Case Mention Date

The matter will be mentioned on July 21 for further directions.

Lugalia has denied all charges.