Daniel Waithaka Mwangi ordered to pay Ksh.10M bond for his release

Former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi has been released on a Ksh.10million bond.

Waithaka was charged alongside Grace Gitonga (former Water, Environment and Energy CECM) and Gichinga Gaiko (current chief officer for Water Environment and Energy).

The three are each expected to pay the Ksh.10million bond and a surety of similar amount with no alternative of cash bail.

In his ruling, Nakuru Chief Magistrate Josphat Burudi ordered that those who will fail to raise bond be remanded at Nyahururu Prison.

The Magistrate further directed that the file be taken back to Nyahururu.

This is despite an earlier ruling by Resident Magistrate James Wanyanga declaring that the court does not have jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The court has also issued warrants of arrest for the remaining five officials who are still at large.

According to the charge sheet, the accused persons are facing seven counts of abuse of office, flouting the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

They are also accused of failure to comply with laws regarding management of public funds.

Defense lawyers Assa Nyakundi and Kariuki Mwangi had earlier urged the court to released their clients on reasonable bond terms.

They claimed that Daniel Waithaka Mwangi and Gichinga suffered ill health and require urgent medical attention.

The Counsel further added that their clients are renowned personalities and do not pose a flight risk.

The Prosecution led by Victor Owiti however objected the application citing the seriousness of the charges against them and that the case is of public interest.

In the case, Tahal Consulting Engineers Ltd, Chen Yochanan Ofer and Albert Attias Company were awarded a tender to redesign the Ol Kalou Town sewerage system.

The project that was to be undertaken during the tenure of Waithaka allegedly cost the taxpayer Ksh.50,470,513.

According to the charge sheet, Nyandarua County Government had no plans for the project during the 2013/2014 financial year.