The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, who sought to challenge the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) decision to charge him and others in the Anti-Corruption Court.
Justice P.J. Otieno of Nairobi’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division delivered the ruling on Monday. The prosecution team, which included Ms. Keli, Mr. Panyako, Mr. Momanyi, Mr. Walusala, and Mr. Mwasaru, opposed Wa Iria’s petition and made extensive submissions before the court.
In his decision, Justice Otieno highlighted that the court cannot interfere with the DPP’s powers as provided under Article 157 of the Constitution. He added that the matters raised by Wa Iria and his co-petitioners should be addressed during the trial. Consequently, the court dismissed Wa Iria’s petition and ordered him to cover the costs of the proceedings.
Wa Iria, along with nine others, is accused of illegally awarding media contracts to Top Image Media Consultant Limited for over Ksh. 543 million. The case is scheduled for hearing on October 3, 2024, as the prosecution moves forward with the charges against the former governor and his co-accused.
