A former Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) employee, Margaret Wanja Muthui, has been ordered to surrender apartments valued at over Sh265 million to the government.
These properties were acquired through corrupt means as was exposed a few months ago
In 2019, Muthui purchased 11 houses in Kileleshwa.
Justice Esther Maina also ruled that Sh14 million in Muthui’s Cooperative Bank fixed deposit account should be seized by the government through the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA).
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Justice Maina concluded that Muthui had unlawfully enriched herself and failed to account for the money used to buy these properties.
The case, initiated by ARA in 2021, involved Esther Wagio Njunge, Margaret Wanja Muthui, Light House Trading Company Limited, Grace Nyambura Ndiritu, Mercy Wambui Nyambura, and Cynthia Wanjiku Nyambura.
The action followed a tip-off about their involvement in a criminal scheme to acquire money and assets.
Court records show Njunge as a director of Lighthouse Trading, with Margaret serving as deputy director of supply chain management at KeRRA at the time.
Grace, a greengrocer at Githurai market, is reportedly Ephantus Kimotho Kimani’s sister.
Mercy, a Moi University graduate, and Cynthia, Mercy’s sister, are both related to Ephantus, their mother’s brother.
Judge Maina identified Muthui as the primary buyer
Judge Maina identified Muthui as the primary buyer and developer of the properties. She also noted that Muthui’s associates were involved in laundering the illicit funds.
“These individuals were chosen because they wouldn’t question the transactions, effectively masking the true owner of the properties,” Maina stated.
Additionally, the government will seize Sh75 million in a fixed deposit account under Njunge’s name at Cooperative Bank, and Sh7 million in Light House’s name.
The judge declared several other assets as proceeds of crime, including House No. 3 Collingham Gardens under Light House, land in Ruaka, a residential flat with 24 apartments known as Taraji Residence in Ruaka, and a parcel in Dagoretti, Riruta, all purchased by Light House.
The judge ruled that any income or profit from these properties is also considered the proceeds of crime and is subject to government forfeiture.
These assets are to be transferred to the Agency.
