Last Updated on May 3, 2026 by carolyne juma

Davis Chelogoi Case: High Court Extends Stay in Sh1.3 Billion Land Fraud Trial

Published: May 3, 2026 | 4:48 PM EAT

Davis Chelogoi case Kenya

The High Court has extended orders suspending proceedings in a high-profile fraud case involving Davis Nathan Chelogoi over a disputed Sh1.3 billion parcel of land.

High Court extends stay orders

Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that the trial at the Milimani Chief Magistrates Court will remain suspended.

“There shall be an interim stay order of proceedings… pending the hearing and determination of the application,” the judge directed.

The order affects Nairobi Chief Magistrates Criminal Case No. E1137 of 2023 involving Chelogoi and co-accused Andrew Kirungu.

read:James Mwangi Ordered to Deposit Sh10m in Land Appeal

Dispute over land ownership

Chelogoi maintains that:

• He is the lawful owner of the land

• He holds original ownership documents

• Rival claims have emerged from businessman Ashok Doshi

The case centers on allegations of fraud and ownership of a prime parcel valued at Sh1.3 billion.

read:Court of Appeal Nullifies KSh3B Runda Land Claim Linked to Peter Burugu

Allegations against trial magistrate

Through his lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, Chelogoi raised serious concerns about the conduct of the trial.

He claims that:

• Dolphina Alego continued handling the case after being transferred

• She allegedly acted without jurisdiction

• Proceedings were conducted despite a High Court stay

Claims of jurisdiction breach

Chelogoi argues that Magistrate Alego:

• Was transferred to the Employment and Labour Relations Court in December 2025

• Therefore lacked authority to preside over criminal matters

His legal team insists that continuing with the case violates established legal principles.

read:MPs Question NITA Over Missing Funds and Controversial Land Deal

Alleged defiance of court orders

The application further alleges that:

• Proceedings continued even after a stay order was issued

• The court proceeded in absence of his lawyers

• Hearing dates were issued unilaterally

These actions, according to the defense, raise serious constitutional concerns.

Fair trial concerns raised

Chelogoi argues that his rights under Article 50 of the Constitution were violated, including:

• Right to a fair hearing

• Right to legal representation

• Right to be present during proceedings

He is seeking intervention from the High Court to halt the trial completely.

read:Kipchumba Murkomen Statement Fails to End KSh20 Billion Runda Land Dispute

Role of Milimani Chief Magistrate

Chelogoi also accuses Lucas Onyina of:

• Reassigning the case irregularly

• Conducting proceedings in his absence

These claims form part of the broader challenge against the lower court process.

read:Abdi Hassan Tahalil Forgery Case: Skyline Works Director Charged Over Eastleigh Land

What Chelogoi wants

The former administrator is asking the High Court to:

• Quash contested orders

• Stop further proceedings before Magistrate Alego

• Exercise supervisory powers over the lower court

Next court date

The case is scheduled to proceed on May 14, 2026, when the High Court will consider the application.

Conclusion

The Davis Chelogoi case continues to raise major legal questions around jurisdiction, fair trial rights, and compliance with court orders.

As proceedings remain suspended, the High Court’s next decision could significantly shape the direction of this high-stakes land dispute.