NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 30 – Former Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria has been released on a cash bail of 10 million shillings after denying charges of alleged misappropriation of Sh351 million.
Wa Iria, along with his co-accused David Maina Njeri and Solomon Mutura Kimani, appeared before Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki at the Milimani Law Courts where they all denied the charges.
The former governor was released on a cash bail of Sh10 million, with the option of a Sh 20 million bond, and a surety of a similar amount.
David Maina Njeri secured release on a cash bail of Sh1 million, or a Sh5 million bond, with a similar surety while Solomon Mutura Kimani, obtained release on a cash bail of Sh4 million or a Sh7 million bond, also with a surety matching the amount.
As part of the court’s directives, all three accused individuals were prohibited from leaving the country without prior court approval and were ordered not to tamper with prosecution witnesses. Additionally, Mwangi wa Iria and Solomon Mutura Kimani were instructed to surrender their travel documents to the court.
Jane Waigwe Kimani and David Maina Kiama, who were absent from Tuesday’s proceedings, were directed to appear in court on May 7, 2024, to take plea.
Wa Iria’s defence Counsels, including senior counsel Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Ndegwa Njiru, and Wilfred Nyamu, told the court that their client is not a flight risk, arguing that the alleged offence happened ten years ago and he has never fled the country.
They emphasized that besides being a governor for 10 years, he is also a political leader, a man of great integrity, and respect.
The court ordered the prosecution to supply all the accused with all documentary evidence before 14th May when the matter will come up for pretrial.
