Ex-Governor Wa Iria and Wife among 8 ordered to surrender to EACC in graft probe

They are required to appear in person on Tuesday, 16 April, 2024, 8:00 am, without fail.

According to the anti-graft body, the eight are currently evading arrest in connection with a procurement fraud investigation totaling Ksh.140 million.

According to a DPP statement released on Saturday, the eight are accused of irregularly awarding tenders and other procurement irregularities totaling the aforementioned amount.

The DPP stated that an investigation conducted 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 no regard for conflict of interest.

Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria is among 8 former county officials set to be charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over Ksh.140 million procurement fraud between 2015 and 2016 at the devolved unit.

The DPP, in a statement released on Saturday, said the eight are accused of irregularly awarding tenders and other procurement irregularities totaling the aforementioned amount.

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 seven other people 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 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 now wants the eight to be charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, abuse of office and unlawful acquisition of public property.

Other charges levelled against them include 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.