The hearing of former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria’s KSh351 million corruption case failed to proceed on Friday, October 23, after the defence told the court it was not ready to continue without typed proceedings.
The matter was adjourned and will be mentioned on October 29 for further directions, delaying proceedings in the case involving alleged fraud in a media-buying contract awarded by the Murang’a County Government.
Wa Iria and his co-accused face charges linked to an alleged loss of KSh351,097,491.15 in public funds through a contract awarded to Top Image Media Consultants Limited during his tenure as governor.
The prosecution alleges that the accused conspired to commit an offence of corruption between October 21, 2014, and June 19, 2017, in connection with the contract for media-buying services.
Wa Iria also faces a conflict-of-interest charge over allegations that he acquired a direct private interest in contracts between the county government and Top Image Media Consultants Limited and received KSh31.8 million from the company.
The amended charge sheet further includes money-laundering allegations involving millions of shillings allegedly received from the county government through the company.
The case returned to court following amendments to the original charges by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). On September 1, the accused pleaded afresh to the amended charges at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court and denied the allegations.
The amendment also affected the prosecution’s case, with at least 13 witnesses who had previously testified expected to be recalled for further examination and cross-examination.
The accused persons include Wa Iria, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja. Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited are also listed among the accused entities.
The prosecution’s allegations remain unproven and the accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case will be mentioned on October 29 for further directions on the way forward.
