NAIROBI, Kenya — Controversial gospel singer Alex Nyachonga Apoko, popularly known by his stage name Ringtone, has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged Sh50 million land fraud in Runda.
Ringtone faces multiple charges including conspiracy to defraud, false swearing, and perjury — all linked to a scheme to unlawfully acquire a 0.1908-hectare parcel of prime land in the upmarket Runda estate.
The case, which has drawn public attention due to Ringtone’s celebrity status, stems from a complaint filed at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters on May 18, 2023.
The complainant, a woman identified as the lawful owner of the land since March 14, 2000, accused the singer of storming her property with the help of his alleged accomplice, Juma Ayoro, and a group of thugs. The group is said to have forcibly evicted the caretaker and seized the property in a brazen land grab.
DCI’s Land Fraud detectives launched an investigation that unearthed a web of deception. On February 28, 2023, Ringtone filed a fraudulent affidavit, falsely claiming that he had occupied the property for over 20 years — a textbook case of adverse possession. However, investigators quickly debunked the claim, presenting evidence that the complainant had consistently paid all land rates and utility bills.
With the evidence in hand, detectives obtained a warrant of arrest on April 14, 2025. Ringtone, however, gave officers the slip, reportedly going underground. His cat-and-mouse game with authorities ended when detectives tracked him down to a hideout in Kasarani, where he was arrested.
Appearing in court, Ringtone pleaded not guilty to all charges. The magistrate denied him bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and flight risk concerns. He has since been remanded at Industrial Area Prison, pending a bail hearing scheduled for Monday.
As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes remain on the courtroom — and on a man once known for his gospel hits, now making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
By Kelly Were | Uzalendo News
