Mwangi wa Iria's PA Ordered to Appear Before EACC in Ksh.140M Fraud Probe

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has ordered Peter Muturi Karanja, former Personal Assistant to ex-Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, to appear before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday, April 22, 2024. Karanja is required to have his fingerprints taken and record a statement in connection with a Ksh.140 million procurement fraud investigation involving the Murang'a County government between 2015 and 2016.

The court also directed Karanja to pay a cash bail of Ksh.300,000 and appear before the Anti-Corruption Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, April 23, 2023, to take a plea. The case implicates Mwangi wa Iria, his wife Jane Waigwe Kimani, her brother Solomon Mutura Kimani, and five other co-accused persons in the alleged fraud.

The EACC investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently awarded tenders to Top Image Media Consultancy Limited and Value View Limited, disregarding conflict of interest. The court explained that the conservatory orders secured by wa Iria from the Murang'a High Court only stopped the arrest of three accused persons, and the remaining suspects should proceed to take plea in the matter.

Why this matters: The case highlights the ongoing efforts by the EACC to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable for their actions. The alleged procurement fraud involving a significant amount of public funds underscores the need for transparency and integrity in county government operations.

The court's decision to compel Karanja's appearance before the EACC and the Anti-Corruption Magistrate's Court demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to facilitating the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. "The conservatory orders secured by wa Iria from the Murang'a High Court only stopped the arrest of three accused persons, and the remaining suspects should proceed to take plea in the matter," the court stated, emphasizing the limited scope of the orders and the importance of the accused facing the charges against them.

Key Takeaways

• Court orders ex-PA to Murang'a governor to appear before EACC for Ksh.140M fraud probe.
• Karanja required to pay Ksh.300,000 cash bail and appear in court to take plea.
• Case implicates ex-governor, his wife, and others in alleged procurement fraud.
• EACC investigation revealed fraudulent award of tenders, disregarding conflict of interest.
• Court emphasizes limited scope of conservatory orders, importance of accused facing charges.