By Sam Alfan.
A former presidential advisor has launched a fierce defense against what he calls a “calculated plot” to steal his multi-million shilling Nairobi property, turning a quiet courtroom into a battleground over a nearly 30-year-old land deal.
Davis Nathan Chelogoi, 72, who once whispered political advice into the president’s ear, now finds himself shouting his innocence from the dock. The charges? Conspiracy to defraud and document forgery over a prime 7.89-hectare parcel in Nairobi that he insists he bought fair and square back in 1995.
In dramatic testimony that gripped the courtroom, Chelogoi pulled no punches: “I served this country with integrity. At my age, I should not be dragged into endless battles over land that I acquired almost three decades ago.”
The veteran administrator, who paid Sh2.48 million for the property when serving as District Commissioner, says he has the paperwork to prove it – and ministry officials to back him up.
But here’s where the story gets juicy: Despite years of legal warfare, Chelogoi remains firmly planted on his land. His opponents have tried FIVE separate times to kick him out through the Environment and Land Court. The result? A clean sweep of rejections.
“No eviction order has ever been issued against me,” Chelogoi declared, his voice rising with defiance.
The drama reached fever pitch on July 28, 2022, when Chelogoi’s workers called with alarming news – strangers had stormed the property, backed by police and armed with a court judgment. The former advisor was away from Nairobi, helpless as his land was invaded.
In a twist that could decide the case, senior Ministry of Lands officials have stepped forward to validate Chelogoi’s claims. Registrar Charles K. Ngetich confirmed the authenticity of crucial signatures, while Principal Secretary for Lands validated payment receipts after CID officers questioned their legitimacy.
Even Peter Njoki Mutua from the ministry testified that he personally verified Chelogoi’s payment receipt – a bombshell for the prosecution’s case.
Beyond the legal drama lies a human story of devastation. The respected former public servant says the charges have “shattered his social and community life,” transforming his golden years into a courtroom nightmare.
For two grueling years, he has appeared in court, determined to prove his innocence against what he sees as a conspiracy to force him off valuable Nairobi real estate.
As the hearing resumes tomorrow, all eyes will be on whether Chelogoi’s mountain of evidence and ministry backing can finally put this land war to rest – or if his opponents have one final card to play.
One thing’s certain: This 72-year-old fighter isn’t backing down without the battle of his lifetime.
