Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria is among 8 former county officials facing charges from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over alleged procurement fraud amounting to Ksh.140 million between 2015 and 2016 at the devolved unit.
The DPP, in a statement released on Saturday, stated that the eight individuals are accused of irregularly awarding tenders and engaging in procurement irregularities totaling the aforementioned amount.
According to the DPP, an investigation conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that the suspects unlawfully awarded tenders to Top Image Media Consultancy Limited and Value View Limited, disregarding conflicts of interest.
The seven other individuals named in connection with the case are Patrick Kagumu Mukuria, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Mamma Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani, and Peter Muturi Karanja.
“This follows an investigation by EACC on procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in the award of publicity tenders by the County Government of Murang’a to M/S Top Image Media Consultancy Ltd in the Financial Year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016,” stated the DPP.
“The eight were found to have engaged in procurement irregularities in the award of publicity tenders to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited.”
The DPP has recommended that the eight individuals be charged with conspiracy to commit offenses of corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Additionally, they are facing charges of conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, and money laundering, contrary to Section 3 as read with Section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
