In courts: Ringtone back in court over Sh50m Karen land dispute

A Nairobi court is today going to hear a land dispute involving gospel musician Alex Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, over the contested ownership of a multi-million shilling property in Karen.

The case is set for mention and a defence hearing before the Milimani Environment and Land Court.

It was filed in 2023 by Teresiah Adhiambo Odhiambo, who alleges Ringtone unlawfully claimed and interfered with her land, a parcel identified as Nairobi/Block 99/142.

Odhiambo claims Ringtone, through hired individuals, entered the property without her consent and sought to take control despite her holding a legitimate title deed.

She is seeking permanent injunctive orders to restrain him from accessing or dealing with the land in any way.

The court had earlier issued temporary orders barring any interference with the parcel.

The defendant was later granted leave to file additional evidence, including affidavits in support of his ownership claims.

Ringtone, through his legal team, insists he is the rightful owner of the disputed property.

In prior court filings, his lawyers argue that the land was acquired lawfully through adverse possession, having lived on the parcel in Karen for over two decades, a claim the complainant disputes.

The civil suit is also connected to a separate criminal case filed this year, in which Ringtone and his co-accused Alfred Juma Ayora face charges of conspiracy to defraud Odhiambo of land worth Sh50 million.

He was arraigned in court on May 15 under a warrant of arrest after skipping several court appearances.

Ayora, who had taken a plea on March 28, faced a second count of giving false information.

He was alleged to have appeared before persons authorised to administer an oath and falsely sworn an affidavit in a matter of public concern to the effect that he had resided on the disputed land for two decades.

He pleaded not guilty. The court then directed Ringtone to appear for plea-taking two weeks later.

Ringtone did not show up.

The court directed that he be present on April 14 to plead to the charges before pre-trial proceedings were to commence.

Again, Ringtone failed to appear in court, leading to the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him.

He has since denied the accusations levelled against him and was released on a cash bail of Sh1 million, alongside his co-accused.

The matter is active before the Nairobi Chief Magistrate’s Court in Milimani.