Mwangi Wa Iria’a Sh351 Million case resurfaces as activist set to challenge his appointment
The appointment of former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria to the position of Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board is likely to be challenged over an ongoing court case.
The former Governor is among prominent Central Kenya leaders among them Peter Kenneth,who were appointed to key government positions by President William Ruto in what analysts view as a strategic move to reclaim Mt Kenya’s political loyalty.
Peter Kenneth was appointed as Chairperson of the National Standards Council under the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Ruto also named former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo to his Cabinet as part of a broader strategy to solidify his influence in the region.
But it is the appointment of Wa Iria to the PPRB that has shocked many,considering the role played by the agency in curbing corruption.
Activists George Nyongesa and Mwangi Gitonga of Haki Nawiri Africa claim the appointment is a shame to the fight against corruption.
“How can the President claim that he wants to improve service delivery and efficiency when he is appointing Wa Iria to an important role in the fight against corruption,” Nyongesa said.
They are set to challenge the appointment in court on the basis that the former governor is a graft culprit.
The function of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority is to monitor, assess and review the public procurement and asset disposal system to ensure they respect the national values and other provisions, including Article 227 of the Constitution on public procurement, among other functions.
In April, wa Iria was freed on a cash bail of Ksh.10 million after pleading not guilty to alleged corruption charges amounting to Sh351m.
Wa Iria who has been on the EACC radar was forbidden from contacting any of the prosecution witnesses and ordered to deposit his travel documents in court.
It is alleged that between October 21, 2014 and June 19, 2017, being the governor of Murang’a County, wa Iria, together with nine other accused persons unlawfully contracted for the provisions of media services awarded Top Image Media Consultant Limited, amounting to over Ksh.351million.
Through his lawyers, the former governor asked to be released on bail, saying he would abide by all court directions.
The High Court would later decline his application seeking to stay the corruption proceedings against him.
Wa Iria’s counsel made an oral application for stay of proceedings in the Chief Magistrates’ Anti-Corruption Court where Mr. Wa Iria and co-accused are, in Case No. E012 of 2014, charged with various corruption offences.
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