Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Nathan Davis Chelogoi has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of unlawfully taking possession of a property belonging to businessman Ashok Shah. The conviction was handed down by Trial Magistrate Dolphina Alego, who found that the prosecution had proved its case against Chelogoi beyond reasonable doubt. Chelogoi was found guilty of unlawfully taking possession of a disputed parcel of land in Lower Kabete, Nairobi County.
During mitigation, Chelogoi's lawyer, Assah Kiprono, urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, citing his client's age and deteriorating health. Kiprono told the court that Chelogoi, who is 76 years old, had not unlawfully taken possession of the disputed parcel of land. He argued that the property had been allocated to his client by the government during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi.
Kiprono also informed the court that there was a pending dispute concerning the property before the Environment and Land Court. He urged the magistrate to consider his client's personal circumstances and grant him a non-custodial sentence instead of imprisonment. The lawyer further applied to be supplied with typed court proceedings to enable him to file an appeal against the conviction.
Chelogoi's conviction follows the court's finding that the prosecution had established the charge beyond reasonable doubt, despite the defence disputing the circumstances under which he acquired possession of the property. The prosecution's case against Chelogoi was based on evidence that he had unlawfully taken possession of the property belonging to Ashok Shah.
The sentenced was handed down on November 2, 2026, at the Nairobi court. Chelogoi's case has been closely watched due to his high-profile status as a former Provincial Commissioner. The court's decision to sentence him to three years in prison has been seen as a significant development in the case.
The land dispute between Chelogoi and Shah has been ongoing for some time. The two parties have been engaged in a protracted battle over the ownership of the disputed parcel of land in Lower Kabete. The court's decision is expected to bring closure to the matter, although Chelogoi's lawyer has indicated that they will appeal the conviction.
The case highlights the challenges faced by individuals in resolving land disputes in Kenya. The country's land laws have been criticized for being complex and open to abuse. The case also underscores the importance of accountability and the rule of law, even for high-profile individuals like Chelogoi.
Key points
- Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Nathan Davis Chelogoi sentenced to three years in prison over land dispute.
- Chelogoi convicted of unlawfully taking possession of a property belonging to businessman Ashok Shah.
- Chelogoi's lawyer to appeal the conviction, citing client's age and deteriorating health.
