Parliament has uncovered fresh concerns surrounding a decades-old land transaction involving the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands has asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to deepen investigations into the acquisition of a 1.5-acre piece of land along Lenana Road in Nairobi.
The property was originally part of the estate of the late Rosita Chettyar before it was sold to Opus Investment Limited.
The land was later transferred to NSSF for KSh63 million, despite having been valued at KSh26.25 million. The difference was more than KSh36 million.
The committee, chaired by North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, questioned how the transaction was completed within only three to four days despite land records being manually maintained at the time.
Lawmakers said the speed of the transaction was one of several issues that required further investigation.
The committee also examined the case of Abdul Shakoor Sheikh, who was allegedly involved in the disposal of the property.
According to records presented by the DCI, Sheikh left Kenya for India on April 3, 2010, and was reported to have died in Dubai exactly one month later.
However, investigators have reportedly been unable to provide a death certificate to confirm the circumstances surrounding his death.
Committee Vice-Chairperson Fatuma Jehow questioned the timing of Sheikh’s departure and reported death, describing the information provided by investigators as inconclusive.
Another major concern involved Johar and Company Advocates, a law firm reportedly linked to the original 1968 transaction.
The committee was informed that the Law Society of Kenya had no record showing that the law firm existed.
This raised further questions about the documents used in the land transactions and whether fraudulent paperwork may have been involved.
MP Rachel Nyamai also raised concerns over claims that some of the original landowners were intimidated and discouraged from pursuing the matter.
The committee has now ordered the DCI to provide original signed investigation reports and verified documents concerning Sheikh’s reported death.
Lawmakers also want investigators to establish whether there was collusion between public officials and private individuals that may have facilitated the transfer of the property.
The investigation is expected to determine how the land was acquired by NSSF and whether anyone should face legal action over the alleged irregularities.