By Grace Gilo
Former Murang’a County Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, alongside his co-accused David Maina Njeri and Solomon Mutura Kimani, appeared before Chief Magistrate Hon. Thomas Nzyoki at the Milimani Law Courts.
The individuals suspected of corruption entered a plea following an order by the Chief Magistrate directing them to promptly report to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for processing, after which they were to proceed to court.
“Mwangi Wa Iria and co-accused are currently at EACC Police Station for fingerprint taking and statement recording,” wrote the EACC earlier.
The accused appeared in court to face charges related to the alleged embezzlement of KSh. 351 million from Murang’a County funds.
However, all of them pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former governor was released on a cash bail of KSh. 10 million, with the option of a Kshs. 20 million bond, and a surety of the same amount.
Meanwhile, David Maina Njeri was released on a cash bail of KSh. 1 million, or a KSh. 5 million bond, with a similar surety.
On the other hand, Solomon Mutura Kimani was granted release on a cash bail of KSh. 4 million or a KSh. 7 million bond, also with a surety matching the amount.
As part of the court’s directives, all three accused individuals were prohibited from leaving the country without prior court approval.
They were also ordered not to tamper with prosecution witnesses.
Additionally, Mwangi wa Iria and Solomon Mutura Kimani were directed to surrender their travel documents to the court.
Jane Waigwe Kimani and David Maina Kiama, who were not present during today’s proceedings, were instructed to appear in court on May 7, 2024, to take their pleas.
The case will be mentioned again on May 14, 2024.