Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against Chelogoi beyond reasonable doubt, citing evidence from 19 witnesses who challenged his claim to the disputed property.
However, the court acquitted his co-accused, former Assistant Deputy Director of Lands Administration Andrew Aseri Kirungu, after finding insufficient evidence to establish his guilt.
Chelogoi had denied charges that included conspiracy to defraud, forgery and uttering forged documents. Kirungu had faced charges including conspiracy to defraud and abuse of office.
In her judgment, Magistrate Alego said testimony from officials drawn largely from the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning played a central role in establishing the prosecution’s case against Chelogoi.
She said the witnesses provided compelling and corroborative evidence that undermined his claim to the land.
