Five county officials deny corruption charges

Five Machakos county officials charged with corruption in the purchase of motor vehicles have denied the  allegations.

The five, Chief of Staff Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse, County Secretary Francis Kiio Mwaka, former County Secretary Irene Wanjiru Kamau, Joshua Kipkemboi Sitienei and John Mwirichia Mutwiri were accused that on or before April 19 this year at the county offices they failed to comply with the procurement regulations in the purchase of the vehicles.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate MK Mwangi, the suspects were represented by lawyer Kioko Kilukumi.

The prosecution submitted that the five flouted Section 27 (3) of the Public Procurement and Regulations Act by approving the use of direct method of procurement for the supply of 15 Subaru outback motor vehicles, and one Toyota Land Cruiser.

The suspects were released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 each.

The hearing of the case is set to begin on August 4. It will be mentioned on July 7.

The court was packed with friends and relatives of the accused, and other interested parties.