Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, evaded arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) after failing to disembark from a chopper during a tour of the Western region by Azimio Coalition members.
Iria was attending a function in Mumias with other Azimio leaders when EACC detectives sought to apprehend him.
However, Iria couldn’t join his fellow leaders at the next leg of the western tour, as they learned of his imminent arrest upon touching down in Vihiga.
This further prompted him to stay aboard the chopper and fly back to Nairobi to evade arrest.
He, along with seven county officials, faces six charges, including abuse of office and money laundering in the Sh140m publicity tender saga.
This is after EACC conducted an investigation into 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.
The eight county officials are accused of engaging in procurement irregularities in the award of publicity tenders to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited.
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Charges the Eight will Face
The accused persons are charged with conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption Contrary to Section 47A (3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA)
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Other charges include abuse of Office Contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of ACECA and unlawful acquisition of public property Contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48 of the ACECA.
Conflict of interest Contrary to Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003 and dealing with suspect property Contrary to Section 47(1) and 47(2) (a) as read with Section 48 of the ACECA are also among the charges.
Lastly, the eight members will also be charged with money Laundering contrary to Section 3 as read with Section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) No. 9 of 2009.
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Opposition Leaders Defends Mwangi Wa Iria
The Azimio leaders have criticized the current administration for using investigative constitutional offices to clamp down on the opposition pledging that they will remain strong and unshaken.
“They have started harassing and intimidating opposition leaders. They are now after our brother Mwangi Wa Iria, resurrecting issues of ten years ago. But the real thieves were released and appointed to high offices,” DAP party Leader Eugene Wamalwa said.
“We shall stand with our brother Mwangi Wa Iria come rain come sunshine. You cannot weaponize the war against corruption,” Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka Said.
“The real criminals and corrupt people are known and are out there. Go for them.”
