In what is shaping up to be one of Kenya’s biggest church-backed scams, thousands of worshippers have lost an estimated Sh10 billion in a fraudulent land scheme tied to Deliverance Church leaders, controversial businessman Kamlesh Pattni, and associates of former spy chief James Kanyotu.
From Pulpit to Property Pitch
In 2014, Deliverance Church Kasarani congregants were introduced to what seemed like a divine opportunity. Elders announced the launch of Imani Estate in Ruiru, Kiambu County – a 500-acre residential project marketed through the church’s investment arm, Ukombozi Holdings Ltd.
Plots measuring 50×100 feet were priced between Sh2.5 million and Sh4.4 million, attracting thousands of churchgoers eager for homeownership. But court records now show the land never legally belonged to the church.
The Goldenberg Connection
Investigations traced the property to Kangaita Coffee Estates, part of the contested estate of late intelligence boss James Kanyotu. Court orders had prohibited any sale.
Despite this, the land was allegedly sold to Trendsetters Investments Ltd, a company linked to Kamlesh Pattni, infamous for the Goldenberg scandal. Trendsetters later transferred it to Marriott Africa International Ltd, which subdivided the land before passing it to Ukombozi Holdings.
Business registration documents show Ukombozi Holdings is co-owned by Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop John Masinde, and associates, raising questions about the church’s role in the scam.
Forged Documents and Court Ruling
Two forensic experts testified that consent letters used in the transactions were sophisticated forgeries. Justice Oguttu Mboya, in a July 10, 2025 ruling, declared the entire transaction “null and void.”
On August 15, 2025, the government issued a Gazette Notice cancelling all titles arising from the illegal subdivision of Land Reference Number 11261/76.
Victims Speak
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Michael Kamau, who invested Sh9M in plots and built a Sh34M maisonette:
“We were duped by men of God. Now my house stands on contested land.” -
Mercy Wanjiku, whose husband bought a Sh3M plot:
“How can the government cancel documents we got from their office and even used to get loans?”
Thousands of families now face financial ruin, with their titles invalidated.
Silence From the Bishops
Despite repeated attempts, Bishop Mark Kariuki and Bishop John Masinde have not commented on their role or whether refunds will be issued. Their silence contrasts sharply with earlier public endorsements of the project.
Systemic Failures
The scandal exposes:
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Weak land governance – transactions approved despite court injunctions.
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Exploitation of faith – church platforms used to sell fraudulent investments.
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Regulatory gaps – lack of oversight on commercial ventures by religious bodies.
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Judicial loopholes – multiple overlapping court cases delaying justice.
Echoes of Goldenberg
Like Goldenberg, the Imani Estate scam relied on forged documents, shell companies, and government lapses. Only this time, faith and the pulpit became the tools of deception.
What Next?
Victims have secured a temporary court order but face an uphill battle for compensation. Meanwhile, thousands of homes stand on legally voided land, leaving families in limbo.
The Imani Estate scandal is a stark reminder of how religious trust, unchecked power, and systemic corruption can converge to devastate ordinary citizens.
⚖️ Editorial Note: This report is based on court rulings, public records, and victim testimonies. Bishops Kariuki and Masinde were contacted for comment but did not respond by publication time.
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