When the Sh5.1 billion Afya House scandal broke out, it is not the money but threats to undermine journalists’ freedom that worried many.
Kenyans are already used to mass and grand looting by powerful people in different sectors of the economy and so this was just another one of those where citizens looked on helplessly. Apart from a few demos by the civil society to force those at the top to resign, the scandal's aftermath is fizzling out and life is 'normalising' again.
In the midst of the storm was Health Principal Secretary Dr Nicholas Muraguri. He was a key player accused of threatening a Business Daily journalist over the scam.
He later apologised.
But away from his office at the Health Ministry offices, hundreds of kilometres away and in the scenic Mwireri village, Mweiga, Dr Muraguri is becoming known for something else. It is huge!
The health PS is building a magnificent country home said to be furnished with items from all over the world.
A half-kilometre driveway leads to a dark grey-tiled roof standing on engraved round columns. The house has eight master bedrooms, ensuite, and according to The Standard, it will be fully fitted with imported accessories from all corners of the world.
The house has two spacious sitting rooms, a study and several other rooms.
Muraguri’s house faces the scenic snow-capped Mt Kenya and it lies on 19 acres of land secured by a high electric fence.
It neighbours the Aberdare Country Club which is an exclusive tourist resort in the Aberdare Ranges and Mt Kenya.
Theories are that Muraguri’s elegant maisonette could be another tourist retreat.
The publication quoted an employee who said the country home Muraguri is building is a place where he can relax away from the bustle and hustle of the city.
Another source close to Muraguri said the cost of the property, which will be ready for occupancy in six months, was about Sh120 million.
The property is located along the Mweiga-Brookside-Kimathi University Road which is currently being upgraded to bitumen standards.
It is a few kilometres from former President Mwai Kibaki’s retirement home in Mweiga.