Editor's Review

Mwangi wa Iria was charged afresh for allegedly being involved in a Ksh351 million fraud case.

Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria was on Tuesday, September 1, charged alongside others in court in connection with a Ksh351 million case.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed that Iria and his co-accused were charged at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court after the prosecution amended the charges afresh.

The nine, including Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani, Peter Muturi Karanja, were accused of conspiring to commit an offence of corruption.

They were accused of fraudulently awarding a tender to a company, which led to the loss of Murang'a County public funds.

"The court heard that between 21st October, 2014 and 19th June, 2017 in Murang’a County, being the Governor of Murang’a County, Directors of Top Image Media Consultants and Value View Limited and Personal Assistant to the Governor of Murang’a County conspired to commit an offence of corruption;

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A file photo of a court gavel.

"... to wit, fraud in respect of a contract with provision of media buying services awarded to Top Image Media Consultants Limited by Murang’a County Government leading to loss of public property amounting to Ksh351,097,491.15," the statement read in part.

Hon. Barasa allowed the DPP to amend the charge sheet against the accused persons, ruling that the amendment was within the law.

Consequently, they were charged with five counts of money laundering, unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property contrary to section 47 (2)(a) as read with Section 47 (1) and 48 (1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003. 

Iria and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA). 

The matter will be mentioned in court on September 17, 2026. The prosecution team was led by Susan Keli, Jeremiah Walusala, Boris Atuti and Belinda Nakhanu.