UPDATE: Wednesday, September 9, 2020: Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was freed on Ksh6 million cash bail.
The judge ordered that Njuki deposit his passport with the court.
The county boss was further barred from accessing office for duration of the Ksh34 Million tender scandal case.
UPDATE: Monday, September 7: Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has today morning surrendered to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC), reports say.
Citizen Digital was first to report that Njuki arrived at Integrity House, EACC headquarters, in Nairobi for processing after Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered his arrest on Friday, September 4.
Reports on Sunday, September 6, indicated that the Governor had gone into hiding.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji on Friday, September 4, approved the prosecution of Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki, and 16 other individuals.
In a statement, the DPP stated his office had acquired enough evidence against the county officials and related entities over irregular awarding of the Ksh34.9 million solid waste project.
"I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to support the various charges under the anti-corruption and economic crimes Act, 2013 and proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering act.
"I direct that the suspects be apprehended and arraigned in court to face various charges against them," he stated.
The DPP revealed that the company that had submitted fraudulent documents won the tender.
"Westomaxx Investments limited installed an incinerator at the county government of Tharaka Nithi which they had procured from Generation Electronic & Allied Company Limited, a company associated with the Governor," read the statement in part.
He added that the incinerator was imported to Kenya by the company at a cost of Ksh3,879,945.
Haji further noted that fraud at the County government was perpetrated by the county officials at the procurement department and finance department who disregarded the procurement laws and procedures.
Also facing arrest are Chief Officer Environment and Natural resources Fridah Muthoni Murungi, Acting Director - Procurement Floridah Kiende Nywigah, Finance Officers Highton Muriithi Njue and Teresia Kagoji Mburia.
The Directors Westomaxx Investment limited and Kenstar electricals and Hardware Limited Kenneth Muguiya and Caroline Sheila Wambua as well as the Directors of Generation Electronics and Allied Company David Mbugua Mwangi and Margaret Muthoni Mugweru: and Allan Muriithi Gitonga - Director, Gentech Suppliers Limited.
The order comes hours after the arrest of Lari MP Jonah Mburu Mwangi and four officials over abuse of office and embezzlement of public funds.
Mwangi is suspected to have swindled money slated for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), worth Ksh 27 million.
Similarly in the past few days, the DPP has approved the prosecution of Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa over graft allegations.
