Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has finally been charged for conspiring to defraud the county Sh140 million during his tenure.
The irregular payments were allegedly made to Top Image media consultants between 2014 and 2017.
Initially, Wa Iria had blocked the charges but was eventually charged on Tuesday, alongside the two co-accused, all of whom pleaded not guilty.
The defense team, including Senior Counsel Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Wilfred Nyamu, Ndegwa Njiru, Daniel Maanzo, and Otiende Amollo, vigorously argued for their clients’ release on bail or bond during court proceedings.
The court adjourned to consider the terms of their release, with a ruling expected later in the day. Wa Iria’s charges followed a directive from Justice Nixon Sifuna, instructing him and the co-accused to report to the EACC Police Station at Integrity Centre for fingerprinting and statement recording ahead of their arraignment.
On April 17, Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru obtained conservatory orders preventing the arrest of the former governor, his wife Jane Waigwe Kimani, and brother-in-law Solomon Mutura Kimani.
