Former Muranga Governor Mwangi Wa Iria was on Tuesday charged alongside two others in connection to Sh 351 Million fraud case.
Wa Iria, David Njeri and Solomon Kimani pleaded not guilty to charges of irregularly awarding contracts for the provision of media buying services amounting to Sh 351 million.
They denied the charges before Milimani Anti-corruption Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki.
Wa Iria and his wife who was absent in court were represented by a battery of lawyers including Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Senator Dan Maanzo, MP Otiende Amollo,Ndegwa Njiru and Nyamu.
The court was informed that his wife fell ill and was under observation at one of the city hospitals and asked for her plea to be deferred.
They urged the court release the former county boss on reasonable bail terms.
In his submissions, Kalonzo said there was need for them to uphold the principles of democracy and fidelity to our constitution
He further added that Right to bail is a constitutional right under the law.
“First accused is an immediate Governor he is also a party leader .We invite you to take judicial notice of political prosecutions and aggression against principles of multi party,” he argued
In his ruling, the court ruled that the Prosecution had not opposed bail and he was sure that the accused including Wa Iria were not flight risks.
He released them on a Sh 20 M bond or an alternative cash bail of Sh 10 M each.
He also allowed the application to defer his wife’s plea taking to next week Tuesday but she is has been directed to produce medical records to show that she was unwell.
In the case,The prosecution has instituted charges against Wa Iria, Patrick Mukuria, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Kiama, David Maina Njetrii, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja and companies Top Image Media Consultants and Value View Limited.
