NAIROBI, Kenya — The Milimani High Court has barred Embu County Assembly Majority Leader and Mbeti North MCA Peter Muriithi Nyaga from selling, transferring, charging or otherwise dealing with six motor vehicles linked to a Sh111.5 million corruption and conflict-of-interest investigation.
The interim orders were issued after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) moved to court seeking to preserve assets it alleges were acquired using proceeds of corruption.
Justice Joseph Kipkoech issued the conservatory orders on August 31, 2026, restraining Muriithi, Truco Enterprises Limited and Peanco Limited from dealing with the six vehicles pending the hearing of EACC’s application.
The orders do not amount to a finding that Muriithi committed corruption. The allegations remain subject to investigation and determination through the appropriate legal process.
EACC probes Embu tenders
According to the anti-graft agency, Muriithi is being investigated over allegations that companies associated with him received tenders from the County Government of Embu between the 2017/2018 and 2023/2024 financial years.
EACC alleges that the companies benefited from county procurement contracts during the period under investigation.
The commission told the court that its investigations had established that part of the money allegedly received through the tenders was subsequently channelled into the acquisition of land and several motor vehicles.
The agency is seeking to preserve the assets as it investigates whether they represent proceeds of corruption or conflict of interest.
Court freezes six vehicles
EACC told the court there was a “real and imminent risk” that Muriithi, the companies named in the case or their agents could dispose of, transfer or otherwise interfere with the assets.
The commission argued that such transactions could frustrate efforts to recover the property if the allegations are ultimately established and a recovery order is issued.
In response to the application, the court issued interim conservatory orders preventing Muriithi, Truco Enterprises Limited and Peanco Limited from selling, transferring, charging or otherwise dealing with the six vehicles.
The restrictions will remain in place pending further proceedings on EACC’s application.
The court’s decision is intended to preserve the disputed assets while the legal process continues.
Land also placed under restrictions
The court also issued similar orders involving a parcel of land identified as Land Reference Number Mbeti/Kiamuringa/49.
The orders were directed at Isaac and Timothy Company Limited, which is named in the proceedings concerning the property.
EACC is seeking to recover the land alongside the six motor vehicles, arguing that the assets may constitute proceeds of corruption and conflict of interest.
The preservation orders prevent the property from being dealt with in a manner that could undermine any eventual recovery proceedings.
Sh111.5 million allegations under investigation
The case centres on allegations concerning county tenders and the subsequent use of funds linked to those contracts.
EACC is investigating whether companies associated with Muriithi benefited improperly from procurement opportunities and whether any conflict of interest arose from the alleged relationship between the MCA and the companies.
The commission’s asset-preservation application forms part of the broader process through which anti-corruption agencies can seek to prevent suspected proceeds of wrongdoing from being transferred or disposed of before a case is resolved.
At this stage, the court has only granted interim preservation orders.
No final determination has been made on whether the assets were acquired through corruption or whether the alleged procurement irregularities occurred.
Why the orders matter
Asset-preservation orders are intended to ensure that property linked to an investigation remains available should a court later order its recovery.
EACC’s concern is that disposing of or transferring the vehicles and land before the conclusion of the proceedings could make recovery more difficult.
The commission therefore sought intervention from the High Court to prevent any transactions involving the assets while the matter is being considered.
The orders also mean that the vehicles and the identified parcel of land remain subject to court restrictions until further directions are issued.
Muriithi yet to be found liable
The case involves serious allegations, but the interim orders should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt against Muriithi or the companies named in the proceedings.
EACC’s claims will have to be tested through the legal process.
If the commission ultimately establishes that the assets were acquired using proceeds of corruption or through a conflict of interest, it can pursue recovery through the appropriate proceedings.
Conversely, the respondents will have an opportunity to challenge EACC’s allegations and present their case before the court.
The preservation orders therefore protect the assets while leaving the substantive questions unresolved.
