Court extends orders barring arrest of Governor Mwangi wa Iria

Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria moved to court after EACC officers arrested him and disarmed his security detail. (Photo: File)

A case in which Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has sought for constitutional interpretation over violation of his fundamental rights has been adjourned to next week.

Murang'a court registrar Eric Wambo fixed the matter to be heard before Murang'a judge Justice Hatari Waweru when he resumes duty.

In his ruling, Wambo said the petitioner (Iria) and the respondents Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission (EACC) and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) will be notified on the day they will appear before the judge.

Wambo adjourned the matter and extended orders barring EACC and office of (DPP) from arresting the governor until the matter before court was heard and determined.

"Orders that were issued by High Court in Nyeri remain in force until the matter is heard and determined," said Wambo.

The governor's lawyer Ng'ang'a Mbugua objected transfer of the matter to Nyeri High court for a mention date, saying the case touching on constitutional rights of Iria should be heard and determined in Murang'a.

Iria moved to Nyeri court after EACC officers arrested him and disarmed his security detail before he recorded statement at Integrity Centre.

"The governor moved to court challenging execution of the search warrant which was issued at Makadara court. The warrant was supposed to have been issued by a Murang'a county since the governor resides here," said the lawyer as he briefed the press.

In January this year, armed detectives conducted search at Iria residences in Gatanga and Kiboi villages where they carted away documents.

During the search, supporters of Iria allegedly grabbed the documents from the detectives before they ran away.

Iria supporters were barred from the court premises on grounds that they could disrupt court proceedings.