DPP To Charge Mwangi Wa Iria Over Ksh140M Tender Scandal

“This follows an investigation by EACC on 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,” explained the ODPP.

“The eight were found to have engaged in procurement irregularities in the award of publicity tenders to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited."

The DPP recommended that the eight be hit with six charges, as follows:

1. Conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to section 47A (3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
2. Abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of ACECA.
3. Unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to section 45(1)(a) as read with section 48 of the ACECA.
4. Conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003.
5. Dealing with suspect property contrary to Section 47(1) and 47(2) (a) as read with Section 48 of the ACECA.
6. 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.

The former county boss is yet to respond to the DPP's decision to charge him.

In the same vein, the ODPP directed that twelve Ol Kalou NG-CDF officials be charged following their alleged involvement in a Ksh62 million graft case. Among them is the chairperson, John Kariuki.

According to Ingonga, a total of Kh62 million was disbursed to the funds’ account, however, during the same period Kh55 million was withdrawn from the account in favour of the officials and seven companies, without following any procurement process.

The officials claimed that the expenditure was in support of various road works, sentiments which could not be confirmed as no document was provided in support.

Therefore, according to the DPP in the absence of proof that the money was used for construction, the twelve are eligible to face charges raised against them, which include conspiracy to commit an economic crime, abuse of office, financial misconduct, unlawful acquisition of public property, fraudulent acquisition, dealing with suspect property and money laundering.

The DPP also cleared the way for the former Director-General of the National Museums of Kenya, Dr Mzalendo Kibunja, to be charged over allegedly paying Ksh490 million irregularly to ghost workers and later transferred to officers of the institution between the financial years 2015/16 and 2021/22.

Kibunja is set to be charged with three employees and an employee of a local bank.