Muthomi Njuki, 16 others charged with graft over Sh34m tender scandal

By , K24 Digital
On Tue, 8 Sep, 2020 12:06 | < 1 min read
Tharaka Nithi governor
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki in a Nairobi court on September 8, 2020. PHOTO | SHEILA MUTUA
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki in a Nairobi court on September 8, 2020. PHOTO | SHEILA MUTUA

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and 16 others have pleaded not guilty to graft-related charges over the alleged embezzlement of Sh34 million county funds.

On Tuesday, the prosecution told the Nairobi court that the accused conspired to commit the offense of corruption on various dates between January 2018 and September 2018.

The 17 suspects were charged with 16 counts, ranging from abuse of office, conspiracy to commit a felony, conflict of interest, failure to comply with the law among others.

Governor Njuki was also charged with an additional count of fraudulent practice in procurement for the irregular tendering of the solid waste incinerator.

The public prosecutor told the court that Mr. Njuki knowingly held a direct interest in the tender for the supply of the Sh34 million incinerator.

His Environmental Chief Officer Fridah Muthomi, is said to have used her position to make payment for the Sh34 million incinerator, thereby, failing to comply with procurement law.

The suspects appeared before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.

The governor will spend another night in police custody after the court pushed the bail hearing application to Wednesday, September 9.