Governor in a spot on Sh16m land deals

Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria. [Moses Omusula, Standard]

The Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi has blocked Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and two companies from dealing with properties in Nairobi and Nyeri counties believed to have been bought using proceeds of crime.

Justice James Wakiaga yesterday barred the governor, Top Image Media Consultants, which is allegedly owned by Jane Mbuthia, and Value View Limited, whose directors are said to be Wa Iria’s wife and his brother-in-law, from having any dealings with property located in Umoja Innercore and 13 acres of land in Mweiga for six months.

"I am satisfied there are grounds to satisfy the court at this stage that the properties are proceeds of crime and corruption. I therefore grant orders prohibiting the respondents jointly or severally from transferring, disposing of or in any other way dealing with the properties herein,” ruled Justice Wakiaga.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said Murang'a County irregularly awarded tenders to Top Image Media Consultants between 2013 and 2017 amounting to Sh542 million.

The EACC claims the firm belongs to Wa Iria's associates who would wire money to the governor whenever they received payment from the county.

The court heard that the county first wired Sh302 million to the firm's account in Family Bank; a second tranche of Sh201 million was sent to Jamii Bora Bank while Sh39 million was sent to Sidian Bank.

The anti-graft body believes that Top Image Media Consultants wired the money to Wa Iria, which he used to buy the two properties.

The Umoja property, the court heard, is said to have been bought for Sh7.5 million. In the Mweiga deal, Wa Iria is alleged to have expressed interest in buying 40 acres at Sh670,000 an acre but the sellers took back 27 acres after Value View defaulted on payment.