EACC summons Wa Iria over tender award to firms

Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and seven others have up to Tuesday morning to surrender to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) offices in Nairobi.

The agency, in a statement issued on Monday said the eight should avail themselves without fail.

According to EACC, Wa Iria, alongside his spouse Jane Waigwe and other officials allegedly irregularly awarded publicity tender to Top Image Media Consultancy and Value View Limited during financial years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.

Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs and Communication Eric Ngumbi confirmed that EACC has directed the former governor to appear alongside Waigwe and six other officials of the company.

Others are Patrick Kagumu, Jane Wanjiru, David Maina, David Mamma, Solomon Mutura and Peter Muturi.

"The commission directs the eight to report to EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre or nearest EACC regional office by Tuesday 8 am without fail," said Ngumbi.

EACC said the eight will be charged with alleged conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, dealing with suspect property, and money laundering.

EACC summoned the eight after the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges against them.

Investigation by the EACC revealed that the eight fraudulently awarded tenders to the two companies with disregard to conflict of interest.

At the same time, EACC has confirmed the arrest of four top officials of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) for alleged misuse of Sh490 million between financial years 2015-2016 and 2021-2022.

The suspects include Kibunjia Nyagah Mzalendo, former Director General NMK, Oliver Okinyi, ICT officer, Wycliffe Odhiambo, accountant and Oscar Mwaura, an alleged ghost worker.

Ngumbi said investigations revealed that the officials allegedly misused the funds through irregular payment of salaries to ghost worker, which was later transferred to senior officials.

“The suspects are currently in custody at the EACC Integrity Centre police station pending arraignment before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court today.

Ngumbi said the four will be charged with conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, acquisition of proceeds of crime, money laundering, and financial misconduct.

He revealed that one suspect, Stanvas Ongalo, the Director of Human Resource was at large.

“Ongalo is immediately directed to report at EACC’s headquarters or nearest EACC regional office,” he said.