DPP Orders the Arrest of Former Nyandarua Governor Waithaka Mwangi

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Hajji has ordered for arrest of former Nyandarua Governor Waithaka Mwangi.

Mwangi will be arrested alongside several other Nyandarua county officials over an illegal tender worth Sh50 million for setting up of water and sewerage system.

The former Governor, together with Water executive Grace Wanjiru, county officers Kihiu Gichinga, John Ngigi and Jesse Wachira are accused of flouting procurement laws and regulations in the award of the contract in 2014.

The officers allegedly engaged Tashal Consulting Engineers Limited to develop a county water master plan and illegally paid it total of Sh50,470,513. "At the time of the signing of the contract, Tahal was not a legal entity," Haji said.

He added: "Nyandarua did not have a procurement plan or funds for the project for financial year 2013/14."

Further, the officers are accused of failing to seek approval of the Private Public Partnership Committee before signing the contract.

"The contract was signed and witnessed by members who were neither directors nor shareholders of the company," he said, adding the payments were not authorised and that documents concerning them were written long after the company was paid.

Among charges lined up to the former Governor include abuse of office and willful failure to comply with procurement laws.

"I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to charge [the accused]," Haji said.