Samuel Kanogo Ritho: The Mysterious Billionaire and the Strange Case of His Wife’s Morgue Theft

From Humble Beginnings to a Billionaire

Samuel Kanogo Ritho, once described as a diligent and hardworking man, built a fortune that would later make headlines for all the wrong reasons. A native of Mathioya in Murang’a County, Ritho started his career as an assistant land registrar in the lands department. Colleagues remember him as meticulous and dedicated, particularly during the post-independence land consolidation process, where small holdings were combined and registered under individual owners.

The Coastland Scheme

Ritho was later transferred to the Coast, where he allegedly orchestrated a scheme to acquire and sell government land. Reports suggest that around 177 acres of land near the Indian Ocean, between Gede settlements and Watamu and Malindi residential areas, remained under government control. Though unsuitable for farming due to coral reefs and snakes, Ritho capitalized on this land, selling plots to unsuspecting buyers.

The Lawyer Who Became a Mastermind

After being dismissed from government service, Ritho pursued a law degree and established SK Ritho & Advocates, practicing until 2009. Returning to Kilifi, he leveraged his government connections and the familiarity of the locals to masquerade as a government official. Working with officials at the Kilifi land registry, he subdivided the land into plots, obtained a Registry Index Map (RIM), and sold the plots for millions of shillings.

The scheme was so elaborate that buyers could verify the land through the registry, believing the transactions were legitimate. In reality, the Survey of Kenya confirmed the land remained government property. When the government began allocating the land to investors, clashes erupted between Ritho’s buyers and the new investors, resulting in lengthy court battles.

Stroke, Salvation, and a Move Abroad

In 2009, Ritho suffered a stroke that changed his life. He reportedly gave his life to Jesus Christ during his recovery and soon after traveled to the UK with his wife, leaving unresolved legal cases behind. At the height of his career, Ritho’s wealth was estimated at Sh3 billion, including around 30 prime properties in Loresho, Kileleshwa, Eastleigh, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Murang’a.

The Mystery of His Wife’s Body

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Ritho is the strange death of his wife. Reports claim her body was removed from the morgue and buried in the early hours without the knowledge of her family, fueling questions and rumors that continue to this day.