Team queries Muthama link to Willy Mutunga’s house

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama addresses the media at Parliament building on Thursday 03/07/14 after he was accused of illegalities and corruption in Machakos County. [PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

A commercial property company linked to Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama Wednesday confirmed that it received Sh310 million from the sale of the now official residence of Chief justice Willy Mutunga.

The premises have been under investigations, with Auditor General Edward Ouko in an audit report questioning the validity of a valuation report for the residence.

Appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Johnson Nduya Muthama holdings advocate Andrew Karami said the firm met the tendering requirements and subsequently engaged in sale agreements with the Judiciary.

The company, he said, had initially quoted Sh425 million for the building before it entered into negotiations with Judiciary and reduced the price to Sh310 million. He further added the audit report did not fault award of tender, choice of residence or validity of the sale transaction.

The committee that was chaired by Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire questioned why the company had quoted Sh425 million when other properties within the same area costs much less. "We are wondering why your company was awarded yet it was the highest bidder.

We also would like to know what prompted you to reduce the price by over 100 million," James Bett (Kesses) said. Karami said the Sh310 million did not include furniture, electronics and other fixtures.