Blogger Robert Alai Charged with Assaulting Singer Ringtone Apoko, Freed on Sh300,000 Bail

Blogger Robert Alai was on Monday arraigned in a Nairobi court for allegedly assaulting gospel singer Alex Nyanchoga Apoko, alias Ringtone.

Alai appeared before Kibera senior principal magistrate Phillip Mutua where he was charged with causing grievous harm to Ringtone following an altercation along Cotton Road in Kilimani, Nairobi on July 23rd. The accused faced a second count of malicious damage to property. 

The charge sheet stated that Alai willfully and unlawfully damaged the driver’s window and a side step of a Range Rover belonging to the complainant with the damage being valued at Sh416,524. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was freed on a cash bail of Sh300,000.

Alai was arrested on July 23rd and detained at Kilimani Police Station for allegedly beating Ringtone with a wooden club. He was released on a police bond pending arraignment.

The two were involved in road rage after Alai reportedly hit Ringtone’s car at a roundabout on Loitoktok Road. The confrontation between the two, who accused each other of obstruction, spread to Dennis Pritt and Likoni Roads where Alai is said to have assaulted the musician with a wooden baton.

A video shared on social media showed Alai’s car blocking Ringtone’s vehicle, with the singer protesting vehemently.

Ringtone was seen picketing from the top of Range Rover before crossing to Alai’s car and demanding an explanation. Alai is seen coming out of his car carrying a wooden club and threatening to beat up the singer.