Nairobi, Kenya — A prominent Kiambu-based lawyer, Alex Kibunja Ngure, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud a businessman of two parcels of land in Kajiado County valued at KSh 10 million, according to a charge sheet filed at the Milimani Law Courts.
Ngure, one of the most well-known advocates in Kiambu and its environs, is accused of fraudulently transferring the properties belonging to businessman Anthony Dominic Kibathi to Jane Kibathi Njoroge, the complainant’s estranged wife, who later relocated to the United Kingdom.
Alleged Fraudulent Land Transfer
Court records indicate that on March 6, 2015, Ngure and others not before the court conspired to defraud the businessman by initiating a fraudulent land transfer process while the complainant was abroad.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly took advantage of Mr. Kibathi’s absence from the country to manipulate the transfer documents and facilitate the change of ownership to Mrs. Njoroge.
Ngure was arraigned before Resident Magistrate Caroline Nzihe at the Milimani Law Courts, where he denied the charges of conspiracy to defraud contrary to the Penal Code.
Defense Claims Malicious Prosecution
Ngure’s defense team dismissed the charges as malicious and unfounded, arguing that the case had previously been brought before the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and was dismissed for lack of merit.
“This is a case of malicious prosecution,” the defense told the court, alleging that the advocate had been arrested in Kiambu by three police officers and detained overnight at the Muthaiga Police Station before his court appearance.
Prosecution Opposes Free Bond
The prosecution opposed Ngure’s release on a free bond, citing the seriousness of the offense and the high value of the property involved. They urged the court to consider the potential risk to justice if the accused were released without financial surety.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Caroline Nzihe granted the accused a cash bail of KSh 50,000 or an alternative bond of KSh 200,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Next Steps in the Case
The matter will proceed to pre-trial once witness statements and documentary evidence are supplied to the defense. If convicted, Ngure could face imprisonment and disbarment under Kenyan criminal and professional conduct laws.
The case underscores growing concerns over land-related fraud and professional misconduct involving legal practitioners in Kenya’s real estate sector.