Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and six others have been charged again over a KSh351 million corruption case, following an amendment to the charge sheet by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The updated charges stem from allegations of fraud involving a lucrative media-buying contract awarded by the Murang’a County Government to Top Image Media Consultants Limited. Prosecutors maintain that the fraudulent deal resulted in the loss of KSh351,097,491.15 in public funds.
The Charges Facing the Former Governor
Wa Iria faces a primary count of conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption. The prosecution alleges that between October 21, 2014, and June 19, 2017, the accused conspired to execute the fraud tied directly to the media-buying contract.
In addition, the former county chief faces a conflict-of-interest charge. Investigators allege that between May 20, 2014, and June 19, 2017, he knowingly acquired a direct private interest in contracts between the Murang’a County Government and Top Image Media Consultants Limited, pocketing KSh31.8 million from the firm.
The amended charge sheet further introduces several money-laundering counts, alleging that the accused individuals channeled millions of shillings from county coffers through the media agency.
Suspects and Linked Entities Named
The seven individuals facing prosecution in the amended charge sheet are Mwangi wa Iria, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani, and Peter Muturi Karanja.
Two corporate entities, Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited, have also been listed as accused entities in the fraud scheme.
Traceable Laundering Destinations
The court heard how portions of the diverted public funds were moved to acquire private real estate and infrastructure:
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Umoja, Nairobi Property: Prosecutors allege KSh7.5 million was transferred to facilitate the purchase of land in Umoja estate to disguise the illicit origin of the cash.
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Residential Homes: Another KSh4.5 million went toward purchasing two residential properties through Mlima Kenya Homes.
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Agricultural Infrastructure: A separate charge claims KSh600,000 was deployed for borehole blasting on a property located in Mweiga, Nyeri County.
Trial Delays and Recalled Witnesses
All the accused persons appeared before the court and denied the allegations.
Following the DPP’s decision to substitute the charge sheet, trial proceedings will take a fresh direction. The court was informed that at least 13 prosecution witnesses will need to be recalled to testify and undergo fresh cross-examination by the defense teams.
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