Former Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria faced the judiciary on Tuesday, April 30, in connection to a corruption case involving a staggering KSh 562 million. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki set the terms for Wa Iria’s release, establishing a bond of KSh 20 million and an alternative cash bail of KSh 10 million.
Despite the court’s decision, Wa Iria found himself unable to secure his release.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirmed, “Former Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria has been remanded at Industrial Area Prison after pleading not guilty to various corruption charges, including abuse of office, conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property and money laundering,”
The charges against Wa Iria, his wife, Jane Waigwe Kimani, and others relate to alleged irregularities in tender awards totaling KSh 562 million during the financial years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.
According to EACC, “The charges facing Mwangi wa Iria, his wife Jane Waigwe Kimani , brother-in-law Solomon Mutura, Personal Assistant Peter Muturi Karanja and others relate to tenders for media and publicity irregularly awarded to a company linked to them known as Top Image Consultants at a cost of KSh 562 million during the Financial Years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. The Directors of this company are Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia and David Maina Njeri who are close associates of the former Governor,”
By Vivian K.