Former governor Wa Iria, six others face fresh charges in KSh351m Murang’a graft case

Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and six others are facing fresh charges in a KSh351 million corruption case after prosecutors amended the charge sheet.

The case centres on a media-buying contract awarded by the Murang’a County Government to Top Image Media Consultants Limited between 2014 and 2017.

The prosecution alleges that the transactions resulted in the loss of KSh351,097,491.15 in public funds.

Wa Iria is accused of conspiracy to commit a corruption-related offence over the alleged handling of the contract.

Prosecutors allege that the former governor conspired with other accused persons between October 21, 2014 and June 19, 2017 to defraud the county government.

He also faces a conflict-of-interest charge.

According to the amended charge sheet, Wa Iria allegedly acquired a direct private interest in contracts between the county government and Top Image Media Consultants during the same period. Prosecutors further allege that he received KSh31.8 million from the company.

Money-laundering allegations

The amended charges also include several allegations of money laundering involving funds prosecutors say were received from the county government through Top Image Media Consultants.

Among the transactions cited by the prosecution is an alleged transfer of KSh7.5 million towards the purchase of a property in Umoja, Nairobi.

Prosecutors claim the transaction was structured in a way intended to conceal the alleged source of the funds.

Another count concerns KSh4.5 million allegedly used to purchase two houses through Mlima Kenya Homes.

A further allegation involves KSh600,000 which prosecutors say was spent on borehole blasting at a property in Mweiga, Nyeri.

The charges involve individuals and companies linked to the alleged transactions.

The accused persons named in the case include Mwangi wa Iria, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja.

Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited have also been listed as accused entities.

All the accused have denied the allegations.

Witnesses to return to court

The amendment of the charge sheet is expected to extend proceedings, with the court told that at least 13 prosecution witnesses will have to return to the witness stand.

The witnesses are expected to give further evidence and face additional cross-examination in light of the amended charges.

The development adds another chapter to a long-running corruption case involving alleged misuse of county funds during Wa Iria's tenure as Murang’a governor.

The fresh charges remain allegations until proven in court, and the accused persons are entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.