20101025
reuters

NAIROBI (Reuters) - The mayor of Nairobi was arrested on Monday to face charges over the fraudulent purchase of land to serve as a new cemetery for the Kenyan capital in the country's latest high profile corruption case.

Kenya's corruption watchdog said Mayor Geophrey Majiwa would face questions over his role in the fraudulent 283 million shillings land deal.

More than 10 local government, treasury and city hall officials have so far been accused of colluding with brokers to inflate the price of 120 acres (50 hectares) of land meant for use as a graveyard.

"We arrested His Worship the Mayor of Nairobi at his residence, and he will appear in court tomorrow (Tuesday) to face charges over the land deal," said Nicholas Simani, spokesman for the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.

"We are still investigating this case and we will bring other officials to court if we get evidence against them."

Majiwa was not available to comment.

The push against graft appears to have gathered momentum over the past week in east Africa's biggest economy, where analysts say corruption has tarnished the country's image and stifled economic growth.

President Mwai Kibaki suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto last week after high court judges ruled Ruto should stand trial for fraud over a land deal.

Ruto, who denies wrongdoing, is also due to appear in court on Tuesday.