The High Court has rejected an application filed by former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, seeking to suspend his prosecution in a Ksh.562 million corruption case. Wa Iria, represented by Advocate Ndegwa Njiru, requested the court to halt the graft case’s hearing pending the determination of his petition challenging the case.
However, Justice Nixon Sifuna ruled that the documents submitted had been altered without the court’s permission, which is against the law. He stated, “This Petition raises fundamental issues that the Court will at the opportune time determine. I have however noted that it has been amended without the leave of court and therefore improperly.”
Consequently, the judge struck out the application and directed Wa Iria’s legal team to file a fresh application, stating that amending the petition without the court’s permission was an “impropriety.”
The court ordered the fresh petition to be filed and served physically within seven days, along with Affidavits of Service. Justice Sifuna also remarked on Njiru’s oral application for a stay of proceedings in the criminal case, deeming it a drastic action requiring a formal application, responses, and submissions from all parties.
The matter is scheduled for mention on May 15, 2024, to confirm compliance with the court’s directives. Wa Iria, along with his wife and others, faces corruption charges including abuse of office, conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, and money laundering, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
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