A widow linked to a multibillion-shilling land scandal in Kiambu County is staring at arrest and prosecution after losing a case challenging the cancellation of her company’s title deed.
The Thika Environment and Land Court, in a ruling delivered on October 13, 2025 dismissed a judicial review application filed by Marg Ridge Estate Limited, a firm associated with Margaret Wairimu Magugu, widow of the late Cabinet Minister Arthur Magugu.
Justice Jacquiline Mogeni ruled that while the Chief Land Registrar may have failed to follow due process in revoking the company’s title to Land Reference Number 21179 (IR 219594), the issue of ownership could not be determined through judicial review proceedings.
“The question of who owns the land can only be settled through a full hearing in a civil court where all parties present their evidence,” Justice Mogeni stated.
The ruling has paved the way for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Land Fraud Unit to pursue criminal charges against the widow over allegations of fraudulent land dealings.
According to the DCI, Magugu allegedly forged documents to illegally acquire and transfer the Kiambu property valued at several billions of shillings.
Investigators say the land, measuring about 25 hectares, has been owned by Wibeso Investments Limited since October 26, 1995, and that the firm never sold, leased, or surrendered its interest in the property.
Detectives further claim Magugu forged a receipt purporting to show payment of Sh824,733 as stand premium to process a fake lease and obtain a fraudulent title deed.
The forged title was then transferred to Marg Ridge Estate Limited.
A notification of approval (PPA2) purportedly issued by the County Government of Kiambu to authorize subdivision of the land was also found to be fake.
Ms Magugu has since been charged before the Milimani Law Courts with obtaining registration by false pretenses, forgery, and uttering a false document.
The matter will be mentioned on October 30, 2025 for pre trial purposes.
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