The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has ordered former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, his spouse Jane Waigwe Kimani and six others to surrender to the authority's offices at Integrity Centre.

In a statement on Monday, April 15, 2024, the anti-graft agency stated that the eight who are currently at large, are wanted for the embezzlement of public funds during the former governor's tenure.

The eight are accused of procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in the award of publicity tenders by the County Government of Murang'a to M/s. Top Image Media Consultancy Ltd at a cost of Ksh140,000,000 during the fiscal years of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. 

"Upon conclusion of the investigations, EACC submitted the investigation report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who upon independent review concurred with the Commission's recommendation to charge the following officers," EACC stated.

The six other persons wanted by EACC include; Wa Iria's personal assistant Peter Muturi Karanja, former Murang'a County secretary Patrick Kagumu Mukuria,  M/s. Top Image Media Consultancy Ltd directors Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, and David Maina Njeri, and M/s. Value View Ltd directors Jane Waigwe Kimani and Solomon Mutura Kimani.

The suspects are to be charged with the following offences; 

1. Conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to section 47a (3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. 2011

2. Abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act no 3 of 2003.

3. Unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48(1), of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.Conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with sec-ion 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003

4. Dealing with suspect property contrary to section 47(2)(a) as read with sec-ions 47(1) and 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003

5. Money laundering contrary to section 3 as read with section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act Cap 59b Laws of Kenya. 

"The Commission HEREBY DIRECTS all the above named persons to report to EACC Headquarters located at the Integrity Centre Building, or the nearest EACC Regional Office, by Tuesday, 16th April 2024, 8:00am, without fail," the statement read.