More than two years ago, Wiselinks Foundation CEO Eric Munene Mate was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, facing serious charges of land fraud involving a parcel worth Sh40 million. The case, which attracted public attention due to Mate’s high-profile role as a philanthropist and community leader, shed light on alleged fraudulent dealings in Nairobi’s real estate sector.
Allegations Against Eric Munene Mate
According to court documents, Mr. Mate, alongside co-accused Mugambe Muthe, was charged with conspiring to defraud M/S Placid View Limited of a valuable parcel of land — LR. 209/10991 IR 45896, measuring approximately 0.0590 hectares in Imara Daima, Nairobi County. The land was valued at Sh40 million at the time.
Prosecutors alleged that the two forged a land title deed, purporting it to be genuine and issued by the Ministry of Lands and Housing in Nairobi. The court was told that the accused persons, in collaboration with others not before the court, conspired to execute the fraudulent transfer by presenting the forged certificate of title.
The Charges in Detail
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Conspiracy to Defraud: Mate and his co-accused were accused of conspiring to steal the parcel of land.
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Forgery of Land Title: They allegedly forged a certificate of title, a serious offence under Section 350(1) of the Penal Code.
If proven, these charges carry severe penalties, as land fraud has become one of Kenya’s most rampant white-collar crimes, costing investors and businesses billions of shillings.
Mate’s Response in Court
When the case came up for mention at Milimani, Eric Munene Mate pleaded not guilty and was subsequently released on bond. His legal team argued that the payment he received was legitimate and that the documents in question had been misinterpreted by investigators.
Despite the charges, Mate has maintained his innocence and continues to fight the accusations through the courts.
Life After the Charges
Interestingly, more than two years after his arraignment, Mate has continued to position himself as a youth empowerment advocate through the Wiselinks Foundation.
On his social media platforms, he regularly showcases initiatives aimed at uplifting young people. For example, in a recent post, he highlighted the “Wiselinks Foundation Tournament”, a football derby held in Tharaka Nithi, where the foundation sponsored local teams to encourage sports and talent development.
He has consistently framed his foundation’s mission around empowering youth, education, and community development, distancing himself from the court case.
Broader Implications of the Case
The charges against Eric Munene Mate highlight the perennial issue of land fraud in Nairobi, where forged documents, fake titles, and double allocations have plagued genuine buyers for decades. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has repeatedly warned about cartels working in collusion with rogue officials to defraud unsuspecting investors and institutions.
Mate’s case serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of Kenya’s land registry system, where disputes often drag on in court for years, leaving victims financially drained and properties tied up in legal battles.
What Next?
The case against Eric Munene Mate and his co-accused is still pending before the courts. The prosecution maintains that the fraudulent transaction was deliberate, while the defence insists on Mate’s innocence.
For now, Wiselinks Foundation continues its community work, with Mate’s supporters arguing that the charges have not stopped him from giving back to society. However, the looming legal battle could determine not only his personal reputation but also the credibility of his foundation.
source: semayote