Kiambu Deputy Speaker denies soliciting Ksh.130K bribe to allow woman build a bar

Kiambu County Deputy Speaker John Njue Njiru has distanced himself from allegations that he demanded a bribe of Ksh.130,000 from a Thika-based woman in order to allow her to develop her Ksh.15 million parcel of land.

Njiru was nabbed by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday on grounds that he allegedly sought the bribe as well as a free portion of prime land belonging to the complainant in order to facilitate works on the land uninterrupted.

However, speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Hospital Ward MCA rubbished the reports, further claiming that the complainant approached him with a proposition that he allow her set up an entertainment joint on the piece of land.

According to Njiru, the land borders an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre and a residential estate.

"Jana nilkuwa nimeitwa na EACC na walikuwa wananiuliza mambo ya plot. Kuna mtu alikuwa anataka kujenga club na Central Kenya tuko na shida ya maklabu," said Njue.

He added that he did not cede to the request despite the fact that the complainant allegedly offered him a bribe to fast-track the process.

"Waliniapproach wakaniambia wanataka kuweka club mahali kwa estate, nikakataa. Wakaniahidi pesa lakini bado nilikataa kisha wakaenda EACC," said the Kiambu Deputy Speaker.

He further stated that he turned down the request of the complainant owing to the close proximity between the proposed club and the ECD centre.

"Hiyo shamba imepakana na Bahati ECD centre na mimi niliwaambia watu wa estate hawawezi kubali klabu iwekwe hapo,” he said.

“Sikukataa ijengwe, niliwaambia plot ni yao na wako na title but mambo ya club hapana na nimesimama kidete."