Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has suffered another setback after a prime residential property linked to him and his companies was listed for public auction, adding a new chapter to the legal challenges that have continued to surround the once-influential politician.
The property, identified as Title No. Nairobi/Block 149/152, is located along Muiri Lane in Nairobi’s exclusive Karen neighbourhood, off Langata Road, opposite the Rubis Petrol Station.
According to the auction notice published in a local newspaper, the property is registered under the names of Wa-Iria Mwangi, Edinburgh College Limited, and Edinburgh Mountain Hospital Limited.
The approximately 0.1945-hectare (0.48-acre) leasehold property features a nearly completed triple-storey residential house, an older bungalow, carports, staff quarters, and planned recreational amenities, including a swimming pool and gazebo.
The property is connected to electricity and water services and utilizes a bio-digester drainage system.
The auction comes as Wa Iria continues to face several corruption-related cases before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Despite his legal troubles, he currently serves as the Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Board, a position he was appointed to by President William Ruto in December 2024.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has previously secured orders freezing other properties associated with Wa Iria, including assets in Nairobi’s Umoja estate and Mweiga in Nyeri County, alleging they were acquired using proceeds of crime.
According to the anti-graft agency, Wa Iria, his wife Elizabeth Wambui, and several associates allegedly benefitted from irregular contracts worth more than Ksh 542 million awarded to Top Image Media Consultants during his tenure as Murang’a governor.
The EACC has accused the former county boss of money laundering, abuse of office, conflict of interest, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds. Investigators allege that millions of shillings were funneled to companies associated with Wa Iria and members of his family.
Wa Iria was arraigned in July 2024 alongside his wife, his brother-in-law, and seven other suspects over allegations of conspiracy to commit corruption, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Prosecutors claim that contracts awarded to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited were irregular, overpriced, or lacked proper documentation.
In September 2024, the High Court dismissed Wa Iria’s attempt to halt the prosecution, ruling that it could not interfere with the constitutional mandate of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The decision allowed the corruption case to proceed to trial.
The former governor has consistently denied all allegations, insisting he is innocent and maintaining that the investigations and prosecution are politically motivated.
If the Karen property is successfully auctioned, it would represent another significant financial and reputational blow for Wa Iria as he continues to defend himself against multiple corruption charges in court.
