Governor Njuki released on Sh6m cash bail

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki (pictured) has been granted a Sh6 million cash bail or Sh10 million bond by a Nairobi court after spending two nights in police custody.

The Governor and other county officials, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti on Wednesday morning, were barred from accessing county offices until the corruption case is concluded.

Ogoti ruled the accused will only be allowed to access the county offices in the company of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers.

The Governor, who was arrested Monday, was charged with corruption in a Sh34.7 million scandal.

The investigators accused the governor of the irregular award of a Sh34.7 million solid waste incinerator tender.

Yesterday, the Governor, his wife, nephew Allan Gitonga, brother-in-law George Mugweru and other co-accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges of embezzlement of public funds before the Anti-corruption court in Nairobi.

Those charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption include; Chief Environment officer Fridah Murungi, acting Procurement director Floridah Kiende, Finance officer Highton Murithi, Finance officer Teresia Kagoji, Arch Lee Mwenda of Department of Roads, Mike Mwiandi, an accountant and procurement officers Japhet Mutugi and Emily Nkatha.

The State claims between January 1 and October 31, 2018, they jointly conspired to embezzle public funds. The governor was separately charged with conflict of interest.

At the heart of the case is tender to supply, install and commission a solid waste incinerator in Chuka town. The State says the county government paid Sh34.9 million to Westomax Investment Limited (supplier).

Njuki and his wife are said to be directors of Generations Electronics Ltd, which imported the incinerator, and together with business associates, transferred it to Westomax Investment Limited.