Tharaka Nithi Governor Freed On Sh6M Cash Bail, Barred From Accessing Office

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthimi Njuki has been released on a cash bail of Ksh 6m and barred from accessing the County Government offices.

Muthomi was released by Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti after pleading not guilty to graft charges.

He is charged alongside 21 other suspects with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption of over Ksh 34 million.

Other charges include fraudulent practice in procurement practice, conflict of interest, abuse of office, willful failure to comply with laws and applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement.

According to the DPP, Westomaxx Investments Limited, a company that had submitted fraudulent documents was awarded the tender at a cost of Ksh 34,998,500.00.

The other suspects Fridah Muthoni Murungi (Chief Officer Environment and Natural Resources), Floridah Kiende Nyigwah (Acting Director Procurement), Murithi Njue (Finance Officer) and Kagoji Mburia were also released on a cash bail of Ksh 6m.

Kenneth Ngai, Sheila Wambui and Gitonga Nyange were released on a cash bail of Ksh 3m each while Mbugwa Mwnagi, Muthoni Mugweru and Muriithi Gitonga were released on a cash bail of Ksh 2m each.

Others; Mwenda Munene, Mutugi Nkonge, Nkatha Micheni, Mwiandi Muriithi, Kariithi Maati and Miano Mugweru were released on a cash bail of Ksh 1m each.

Ogiti further ordered the Governor to surrender his passport as well as copies of his ID card and warned him against communicating with witnesses.