The case centres on a media-buying contract awarded by the Murang’a County Government to Top Image Media Consultants Limited, which prosecutors allege resulted in the loss of KSh351,097,491.15 in public funds.
Wa Iria and his co-accused are facing a charge of conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption. The prosecution alleges that between October 21, 2014 and June 19, 2017, they conspired to commit fraud in relation to the media-buying contract.
The former governor is separately accused of conflict of interest, with prosecutors alleging that he knowingly acquired a direct private interest in contracts between the county government and Top Image Media Consultants Limited.
According to the amended charge sheet, Wa Iria allegedly received KSh31.8 million from the company between May 20, 2014 and June 19, 2017.
The amended charges also include several counts of money laundering involving millions of shillings allegedly originating from the Murang’a County Government and channelled through Top Image Media Consultants.
In one count, prosecutors allege that KSh7.5 million was transferred towards the purchase of property in Umoja, Nairobi, in a transaction allegedly designed to disguise the source of the funds.
Another count alleges that KSh4.5 million was used towards the purchase of two houses through Mlima Kenya Homes, while KSh600,000 was allegedly spent on borehole blasting at a property in Mweiga, Nyeri.
Charged alongside Wa Iria are Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja.
Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited are also named as accused entities in the case.
All the accused have denied the charges.
Following the amendment of the charge sheet, the court was informed that at least 13 prosecution witnesses who had previously testified will have to be recalled for further testimony and cross-examination.
The case will now proceed on the basis of the amended charges.
