Ex-minister Kirwa 'clears' his name in land case
Former Agriculture Minister Kipruto arap Kirwa addresses a past event.
What you need to know:
- Mr Kirwa said that he also presented farmers with certificates, after they purchased shares in the company.
- Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya and two others have been charged with illegal transfer of public property.
Former Agriculture Minister Kipruto arap Kirwa on Wednesday denied consenting to the transfer of public land in Nyandarua County to a private company.
Although the former minister admitted attending the launch of Midlands Limited on April 30, 2004, he said he was present at the function because it sought to help farmers on value addition and potato seed production.
Mr Kirwa said the company was out to promote farming in Nyandarua and there was an agreement for Midlands to use the Njabini Farmers’ Training Centre land.
AMOS KIMUNYA
However, the company was never allowed to transfer it to individuals or a private company, he added.
The former Cherangany MP was testifying in a case in which his former Cabinet colleague and Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya and two others have been charged with illegal transfer of public property.
Others facing the charges are Ms Lilian Wangiri Njenga, a director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, and Mr Junghae Wainaina, a Midlands Ltd official.
FRAUD
They are accused of abuse of office, failing to disclose private interest and fraudulent disposal of public property.
Mr Kimunya is further accused of failing to disclose that he was a director of Midlands. He is also accused of breach of trust and failing to protect public property.
Mr Kirwa told Senior Principal Magistrate Felix Kombo that he also presented farmers with certificates, after they purchased shares in the company.
He also disclosed that Mr Kimunya, the Minister for Lands at the time, also purchased some shares.
The hearing continues on July 3.
