Gospel Artist Apoko Charged in Sh50M Karen Land Fraud

Gospel musician Alex Nyachonga Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, was arraigned today at the Milimani Law Courts to face charges related to the fraudulent acquisition of a prime piece of land in Karen, valued at Ksh 50 million.

Ringtone has been charged with fraud involving a land parcel identified as NAIROBI/BLOCK 99/142, measuring approximately 0.1908 hectares.

The charges stem from allegations that, on or before February 28, 2023, at an undisclosed location in Kenya, he conspired with another individual Alfred Juma Ayora to unlawfully claim ownership of the property by falsely asserting rights through adverse possession.

According to court documents, the accused claimed to have resided on the property for more than 20 years, thereby attempting to establish ownership without following due legal process.

His co-accused, Alfred Juma Ayora, is facing additional charges of forgery and perjury. The prosecution alleges that Ayora knowingly swore a false affidavit before advocate S.M. Katonya on February 28, 2023, in Nairobi.

In the affidavit, he claimed long-term residency on the disputed land, a statement the prosecution argues was intentionally misleading and part of a broader scheme to take over the property using falsified documentation.

Gospel artist Ringtone Apoko when he appeared in court.

The prosecution told the court that the affidavit was central to the alleged fraudulent attempt to seize the land from businesswoman Terresia Adhiambo Odhiambo.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, Ringtone pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He will remain in custody until Monday, May 19, 2025, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on his bail and bond application.