Former Murang'a governor Mwangi wa Iria addresses the press outside Milimani anti-corruption court, Nairobi on September 1, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAIFormer Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and six other individuals have been charged afresh over alleged corruption involving Sh351.1 million in a media buying contract awarded by the Murang’a government.
The fresh charges were brought before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) amended the charge sheet in the case.
Wa Iria appeared before chief magistrate Harrison Barasa alongside his wife Jane Waigwe Kimani, co accused Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Solomon Mutura Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja.
Two companies, Top Image Media Consultants and Value View Limited, are also named as accused persons in the case.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the amended charges brought under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
The prosecution alleges that "between October 21, 2014 and June 19, 2017, the accused persons conspired to commit an offence of corruption involving a contract for media buying services awarded to Top Image Media Consultants Limited by the Murang’a County Government."
According to the prosecution, the alleged scheme resulted in the loss of public property amounting to Sh351,097,491.15.
The DPP further charged the accused with five counts, including money laundering, unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property.
The prosecution alleges that the offences were committed while Wa Iria was serving as Governor of Murang’a County, with some of the accused persons being directors of the companies involved in the contract and others holding positions within the county administration.
The fresh charges follow the DPP's decision to amend the initial charge sheet, a move that was challenged before the court.
Chief Magistrate Barasa, however, allowed the prosecution to amend the charges, ruling that the amendments were within the law.
The development is expected to have an impact on the ongoing trial, with the prosecution informing the court that at least 13 witnesses who had already testified may have to be recalled.
The case will next be mentioned on September 17, 2026, when the court is expected to give further directions on the proceedings following the amendment of the charges.
The case centres on transactions dating back to Wa Iria's tenure as Murang'a governor, with the prosecution seeking to establish how the county's media buying contract was awarded and whether public funds were unlawfully acquired or lost in the process.
The Sh351 million figure cited in the case relates to the alleged loss of public property arising from the disputed contract.
The former governor has since questioned the basis of the charges, claiming that the case is politically instigated.
