By John Mugendi
The Sh34 million corruption case against Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and 20 co-accused was today heard at an Embu court.
The case was transferred from Milimani Court in Nairobi to Embu County that neighbors Tharaka Nithi County after Njuki’s lawyers successfully moved the court to transfer the case near the scene of the crime.
Justice James Wakiaga of Milimani court ruled that the Governor should have been charged at a court in Tharaka Nithi County where the alleged crime took place but settled on the neighboring Embu County for the fear of interference in case it’s heard in his county.
The county boss and the other 20 accomplices were charged in Milimani court in January this year on account of conspiring to defraud Sh34 million from the devolved government through an illegal tendering process for procurement of a solid waste incinerator.
In the case, the defense lawyers had challenged the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge the accused persons in Nairobi instead of Tharaka Nithi or Embu counties.
Justice Wakiaga directed that the file be placed before any Embu court magistrate other than Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti who was handling the case at Milimani.
Njuki was released on Sh6 million cash bail or Sh10 million bond after spending two nights in police custody.
Together with the 20 other accused, the county chief was barred from accessing county offices until the corruption case is concluded unless in the company of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers.
The others accused included; his wife, nephew Allan Gitonga, brother-in-law George Mugweru and other co-accused persons who pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Environment officer Frida Murungi, acting Procurement director Florida 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 were charged with conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption.
On the other side, the embattled county chief is facing stiff competition for the governorship seat with Senator Kithure Kindiki, Chuka University VC Erastus Njoka, National Museums of Kenya Director General Mzalendo Kibunjia and Machakos County Assembly clerk Gitari Mbiuki.
