Former Meru Governor Faces Arrest for Failure to Appear in Court Amid Corruption Investigation
Nairobi's legal landscape is ablaze as a high-stakes manhunt unfolds for former Meru Governor Peter Munya. An anti-corruption court's arrest order has set off a flurry of police activity after Munya defied a summons to testify in the infamous Arror and Kimwarer corruption scandal, a case that has sent shockwaves through Kenya's political and financial spheres.
In a dramatic turn of events, Magistrate Eunice Nyutu issued a direct order to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to apprehend Munya and produce him in court. The former Agriculture Minister's absence during the court hearing prompted this severe response from the judiciary.
Originally, Munya had been granted a mere 90-minute window to present himself before the court and provide testimony in the Ksh63 billion scandal involving Arror and Kimwarer dam projects. Yet, this time limit slipped away with no appearance from Munya, leading to swift police action.
The Nairobi Area police force immediately launched a full-scale manhunt to locate Munya and enforce the court's order. The urgency of the situation highlights the gravity of the corruption case that has cast a shadow over the alleged misconduct surrounding these significant infrastructure projects.
Munya, a central figure in the investigation, was directed to appear in court by 11:15 a.m. to offer crucial testimony regarding the corruption charges involving former Treasury CS Henry Rotich. Magistrate Nyutu emphasized that Munya's warrant of arrest remained in effect until he complied with the court's summons.
In a twist during the court proceedings, Douglas Chege, the investigation officer, disclosed that previous attempts to serve the warrant of arrest had been thwarted by Munya's elusive whereabouts. Munya's legal counsel disputed allegations of evasion, asserting that the former Cabinet Secretary was not evading authorities as portrayed by the State.
However, the magistrate remained steadfast in her decision, dismissing Munya's defense and reiterating the need for the police to execute the arrest warrant as mandated by the court.
The Arror and Kimwarer dam projects were slated for completion in 2017, yet their realization has been stymied by allegations of corruption that plagued the tendering process. The scandal gained further momentum when the former Director of Public Prosecution raised concerns about improper procurement procedures during the contract awarding, potentially fostering an environment conducive to corrupt practices.
In a significant legal move in 2020, the High Court ruled for the prosecution of high-ranking government officials, including former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, in connection with the scandal. The unfolding drama surrounding Munya's evasion and the subsequent manhunt adds yet another layer of intrigue to this ongoing saga of corruption and accountability.