Wa Iria, seven others to appear before EACC over Ksh 140M fraud saga

 

Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and seven others are expected to appear before Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission today (Tuesday) after the commission summoned them to face charges in a Ksh140 million fraud saga.

In a statement sent by the commission on Monday, EACC directed the eight to appear before the commission on Tuesday at 8AM for questioning over allegations of procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in the award of publicity tenders by the County Government of Murang’ a.

“The Commission hereby directs all the above named persons to report to

EACC Headquarters located at the Integrity Centre Building, or the nearest EACC Regional Office, by Tuesday, 16th April 2024, 8:00am, without fail.“ The statement read.

On Saturday, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) said the eight are accused of irregularly awarding tenders and other procurement irregularities totaling Ksh. 140,000,000.

The DPP noted that an investigation carried out by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed that the suspects fraudulently awarded tenders to Top Image Media Consultancy Limited and Value View Limited with disregard to conflict of interest.

The other seven 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 DPP.

The suspects are to be charged with the following offences; Conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to section 47 a (3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2011.

Similarly, abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act no 3 of 2003, unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a).

As well as dealing with suspect property contrary to section 47(2)(a) and money laundering.

By Christine Muchira