Assets belonging to former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria are set to be auctioned later this month after he allegedly defaulted on a loan, according to a public auction notice, adding fresh financial pressure as he continues to defend himself in a separate Sh542.6 million corruption case.

A notice published by Dalali Traders Auctioneers indicates that several of Wa Iria’s properties, including his residence in Karen, Nairobi, and a private hospital in the city, have been listed for public auction on August 25. The notice states that the sale is intended to recover an outstanding debt, although the amount allegedly owed has not been disclosed publicly.

The planned auction is expected to proceed unless the outstanding debt is settled or a court issues orders stopping the sale before the scheduled date.

The development comes as the former governor remains before the courts over corruption charges brought by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Wa Iria is among several individuals accused of involvement in the alleged irregular award of media and publicity contracts worth Sh542.6 million during his tenure as Murang’a governor.

The former county chief has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he committed no wrongdoing.

Following his arraignment on the corruption charges, Wa Iria described the prosecution as politically motivated.

“This is a political witch-hunt. I have done nothing wrong,” Wa Iria said after appearing in court.

According to the EACC, the charges relate to the alleged irregular procurement of media and publicity services by the Murang’a County Government. Investigators claim the contracts were unlawfully awarded and that public funds were irregularly paid out through the procurement process.

The anti-graft agency has maintained that it conducted investigations before recommending criminal charges against the former governor and his co-accused.

It is important to note that the reported loan default and the corruption case are separate legal matters. While both involve Wa Iria, there is no public indication that the planned auction is linked to the ongoing criminal proceedings. The auction notice relates to the recovery of an alleged unpaid debt, whereas the corruption case concerns alleged procurement irregularities during his time in office.

The latest development adds to a series of legal and financial challenges facing the former governor, who served Murang’a County for two terms before leaving office in 2022. Since then, he has remained active in national politics while defending himself against multiple court proceedings.

As of publication, neither Wa Iria nor his legal team had publicly commented on the auction notice. Similarly, the auctioneers had not disclosed the value of the outstanding loan or whether any efforts had been made to settle the debt before the scheduled sale.

Unless halted through payment or court intervention, the auction is expected to take place on August 25, with the listed properties offered for sale in accordance with the published notice.