Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria narrowly escaped arrest by EACC detectives on Sunday following his interdiction alongside 7 other former county officials by the DPP over a 140 million shilling procurement fraud between 2015 and 2016. 

The EACC detectives sought to arrest the former county boss in Mumias where he was attending a function with other Azimio leaders, but Iria failed to disembark from the chopper, opting to return to Nairobi instead.

On Saturday, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided to charge the former county boss and seven others over irregularly awarding tenders worth 140 million shillings. 

The tenders were awarded to Top Image Media Consultancy Limited and Value View Limited, contrary to procurement laws in the Financial Year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

The DPP has recommended that the eight be charged with "a conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption in contravention of section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Abuse of office contrary to section 46 as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and Unlawful acquisition of public property against section 45 (1) (a) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act."

Other charges preferred against the eight include "conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, and money laundering contrary to section 3 as read with section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 9 of 2009."

Mwangi wa Iria has dismissed the charges as trumped-up allegations meant to intimidate and breach his rights, vowing not to be cowed by the interdiction. 

He maintains that his administration followed due diligence in awarding the tenders in question.

However, Iria was not able to join his fellow leaders at the next leg of the western tour, as they got wind of his imminent arrest when they touched down in Vihiga. 

This prompted him to remain aboard the chopper and fly back to Nairobi to avoid arrest.

Azimio leaders Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the attempted arrest of the former governor, accusing the government of a political witch hunt.

They warned the Director of Public Prosecution against using intimidation tactics to silence the opposition from speaking against the fake fertilizer scandal and the ongoing doctors’ strike, which the opposition has indicated it will join if the government fails to address it.

"Eugene Wamalwa, DAP-K Leader, stated, 'Today we are seeing the government resorting to threats. Our friend, the first Governor of Murang'a, Mwangi wa Iria, wanted to come here to Vihiga to pray with the Christians of PAG, but we received information that they wanted to arrest Mwangi wa Iria.'"

"Kalonzo Musyoka, Wiper Leader, added, 'What we have seen from those in authority clearly amounts to abuse of office. They are starting to misuse their authority and bring threats. Threats cannot build a nation.'"

The leaders also warned Police Inspector General Japheth Koome against interfering with the planned demonstrations by doctors, emphasizing that it would be a disregard of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom to picket.