Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and eight others have been charged afresh in connection with a Sh351 million corruption case involving alleged loss of public funds during his tenure.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reintroduced the charges at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court following an amendment of the initial charge sheet in the case involving Sh351,097,491.15.
Wa Iria appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa alongside Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani, Peter Muturi Karanja, Top Image Media Consultants and Value View Limited.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges brought under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed between October 21, 2014, and June 19, 2017, in Murang’a County while Wa Iria was serving as governor.
The prosecution alleges that Wa Iria, directors of Top Image Media Consultants and Value View Limited, and a personal assistant to the governor conspired to commit corruption through fraud relating to a contract awarded by the Murang’a County Government.
The contract involved the provision of media buying services by Top Image Media Consultants Limited.
The alleged scheme, according to the prosecution, resulted in the loss of public property valued at Sh351,097,491.15.
The accused face five counts relating to money laundering, unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest and dealing with suspected property.
The charges were brought under various provisions of ACECA and POCAMLA.
The prosecution further alleges that the accused persons were involved in transactions linked to funds suspected to have been obtained through the alleged fraudulent dealings.
Wa Iria has previously faced legal proceedings over corruption allegations linked to his administration. The latest charges follow the DPP's decision to amend the initial charge sheet.
Chief Magistrate Barasa allowed the prosecution to amend the charges after considering the application by the DPP.
The magistrate ruled that the amendment was within the law, allowing the prosecution to proceed with the revised charges against the accused persons.
The prosecution team was led by Susan Keli and included Jeremiah Walusala, Boris Atuti and Belinda Nakhanu.
The accused persons remain innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court.
The case is part of ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies and the prosecution to pursue alleged economic crimes involving public resources.
The alleged loss of more than Sh351 million relates to transactions undertaken during the period when Wa Iria served as governor of Murang’a County.
The court did not determine the accused persons' guilt during Thursday's proceedings but dealt with the amended charges and pleas.
The matter will return to court on September 17, 2026, for mention.
The fresh charges place the former governor and the other accused persons back before the anti-corruption court as they prepare to respond to the allegations in the amended charge sheet.