Gladys Chania: Murder Trial and Eviction Row with Salvation Army

Gladys Chania, a former Kiambu Woman Representative aspirant, is embroiled in a fresh legal dispute with the Salvation Army Church over the alleged unlawful eviction of her rehabilitation centre from church-owned property in Thika.

The case stems from events nearly six years ago, when Chania claims she was forcibly removed from the premises that housed her organisation, Right At Home Rehabilitation Centre. She alleges that during the eviction, her property was destroyed, and she has named church official Samuel Kang’ara as being responsible. Kang’ara was briefly arrested in February 2023 but later released on bail.

The Salvation Army maintains that Chania’s eviction was lawful, citing rent arrears amounting to Sh3.5 million. Kang’ara’s legal team argues that he acted on instructions from the church and accuses Chania of using the courts to settle a personal grudge. The criminal charges against Kang’ara were withdrawn after Chania failed to appear in court or present witnesses, despite a production order. 

The court discharged Kang’ara but left open the possibility of reopening the case should new evidence emerge. The Salvation Army has since appealed the decision, arguing that the withdrawal does not equate to an acquittal. This property dispute comes as Chania continues to face trial for the alleged murder of her husband, George Mwangi, whose body was discovered in Kieni Forest in October 2022. 

Chania and her farmhand, Maurice Mbugua, are both charged in the case. Investigators believe Mwangi was killed in the couple’s home in Mangu, citing forensic evidence, including blood-stained clothing and knives recovered at the scene. Chania initially told police that Mwangi had left the house and never returned, a claim later contradicted by the investigation. 

A former employee, John Mwangi, who was initially detained, has since been released and is now a state witness. Chania has also faced previous allegations of fraud. In one ongoing case, she is accused of obtaining Sh400,000 from two individuals under the false promise of securing overseas employment.