Lawyer Letangule Caught in a Storm Over Dupoto Land Compensation Scandal

A land compensation scandal has rocked Nairobi’s Dupoto Settlement Scheme, dragging lawyer Thomas Letangule into the controversy.

A faction of the scheme has dismissed misappropriation claims, accusing Letangule of acting without their consent.

With Sh2.7 billion at stake, both groups are at loggerheads over the money meant for landowners displaced by the Kenya Railway Corporation project.

As accusations fly, investigators must determine who is telling the truth.

Letangule Under Fire as Dupoto Faction Denies Misuse of Funds

A group calling itself the Dupoto Dafur Settlement Welfare Society has strongly opposed allegations that money meant for compensation was misappropriated.

In a letter dated March 13, three officials representing members of the settlement scheme refuted claims that the Sh2.7 billion was stolen or misused.

The officials—Chairman Likam ole Kiambu, Secretary John Karu, and Treasurer Victor Ochieng—wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and Director of Criminal Investigations.

They argued that their land was legally sold to the Kenya Railway Corporation in a transparent process with full consent from members.

“No one from our scheme was illegally or forcefully evicted. Our members willingly left after selling their land on a willing buyer, willing seller basis,” the letter stated.

They further emphasized that no public funds or compensation money had been lost or misused. According to them, all accusations in the earlier letter calling for investigations are “malicious, baseless, and unfounded fabrications.”

The officials also denied that Letangule & Co. Advocates had any authority to represent them. “Letangule does not have instructions from our scheme or any registered member to act on our behalf or write letters on our account,” they insisted.

They pledged to cooperate with authorities if called upon to clarify the matter.

The Other Side: The Lawyer’s Clients Cry Foul

Despite these denials, another faction insists that Letangule is fighting for their rights. This group, which claims to have lived on the land for over 30 years, says they were forcefully evicted without proper compensation.

Through their lawyer, Thomas Letangule, they submitted a petition to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) demanding an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds.

Their petition raises concerns about the appointment of Johnson and Partners LLP Advocates instead of Letangule & Co. Advocates to receive compensation funds. They believe this move was orchestrated to divert money from rightful beneficiaries.

The dispute over representation and compensation raises serious legal and ethical questions. If Letangule’s faction was indeed wronged, where did the money go?

On the other hand, if the opposing faction is telling the truth, why is Letangule pushing a different narrative?

Investigators Must Uncover the Truth

With billions on the line and two conflicting accounts, only a thorough investigation can determine the facts.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the DCI must scrutinize financial records, land agreements, and legal mandates to expose any wrongdoing.

The case also highlights broader issues of land compensation fraud in Kenya. If misappropriation did occur, who was responsible?

If Letangule acted without authority, what legal consequences should follow? And if the claims against him are false, what is the motive behind them?

Until investigators present their findings, the battle over the Sh2.7 billion remains unresolved. One thing is clear—those affected deserve answers and justice.

Whether Letangule emerges as a defender of the displaced or a lawyer embroiled in controversy will depend on the evidence that unfolds.