The Vihiga Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Bishop John Mweresi, the head of the African Israel Nineveh Church, to nine months in prison after finding him guilty of land fraud.
Mweresi was convicted on four counts, including forgery and the unlawful acquisition of land.
The court offered him an alternative fine of sh. 280,000 equivalent to sh. 70,000 for each count.
Failure to pay will see him serve nine months for each offense, with the sentences running concurrently.
The cleric, who appeared composed as the ruling was delivered, had spent three weeks in remand after his bail was revoked over concerns that he might flee.
The courtroom was packed with his followers, many of whom have closely followed the case over the past seven years.
The long-running trial has faced numerous delays and witness withdrawals, causing growing frustration among members of the church.
The court advised Mweresi that he has 14 days to file an appeal if he wishes to challenge the verdict.
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