A prime residential property in Nairobi's upscale Karen neighbourhood, registered under the names of former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and his companies, has been listed for auction in a newspaper advertisement, marking the latest twist in the legal troubles that have dogged the once-powerful politician.
The property, known as Title No. Nairobi/Block 149/152, is situated along Muiri Lane in Karen, off Langata Road, opposite Rubis Petrol Station.
It measures approximately 0.1945 hectares (0.48 acres) and is held under a leasehold tenure registered in the names of Wa-Iria Mwangi, Edinburgh College Limited, and Edinburgh Mountain Hospital Limited.
The property features a triple-storey house nearing completion, alongside an older bungalow, carports, staff quarters, and proposed recreational facilities including a swimming pool and gazebo, with electricity and water already connected and drainage to a bio-digester system.
The auction listing comes as the former governor, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Board following his appointment by President William Ruto in December 2024, remains embroiled in multiple corruption cases involving hundreds of millions of shillings.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has previously frozen two other properties linked to Wa Iria, one in Nairobi's Umoja estate and another in Mweiga, Nyeri County, over suspicions they were acquired through proceeds of crime.
The anti-graft agency has alleged that Wa Iria, his wife Elizabeth Wambui, and associates benefitted from fraudulent contracts worth over Ksh 542 million awarded to Top Image Media Consultants during his tenure as county boss.
The EACC has also accused the former governor of money laundering, conflict of interest, and abuse of office, with the agency claiming that millions of shillings were channeled to companies associated with him and his family members.
Wa Iria's legal battles began when he was arraigned in July 2024 alongside his wife, brother-in-law, and seven others on charges including conspiracy to commit corruption, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The charges relate to the irregular award of tenders worth millions to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited, with the EACC alleging that the companies received payments for work that was either overpriced or not properly documented.
In a ruling delivered in September 2024, the High Court rejected Wa Iria's plea to block the prosecution, asserting that it cannot interfere with the Director of Public Prosecutions' constitutional powers.
The court emphasized that the issues raised by the former governor are matters best suited for resolution in a trial court, effectively clearing the way for the corruption case to proceed.
The former governor has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and questioning the timing and motivation behind the investigations.
The property in Karen now appears to be the latest asset linked to the former governor to face auction, as legal proceedings against him continue to unfold at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
The auction, once finalized, would mark a significant blow to the former governor's finances and reputation, as he continues to maintain his innocence while battling the multiple cases against him.
Wa Iria, a corporate executive turned politician, rose to prominence as the Managing Director of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries before venturing into politics.
He served as the pioneer Governor of Murang'a County from 2013 to 2022, winning his first term on The National Alliance (TNA) ticket and securing re-election in 2017 under the Jubilee Party.
In the lead-up to the 2022 General Election, he launched a presidential campaign under his Usawa Kwa Wote Party but was ultimately not cleared to run.
As the auction of his Karen property looms, the former governor's legal troubles show no signs of abating, with the EACC continuing to pursue recovery of assets allegedly purchased using proceeds of questionable transactions.
The outcome of the cases will determine not only the fate of his properties but also his political future and reputation.
