Blow to Waititu as Court Rejects His Plea for Freedom
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered yet another setback after a High Court ruling ordered him to remain in custody for another month.
The decision was delivered by High Court Judge Lucy Njuguna, who ruled that Waititu will stay behind bars until April 23, when the court will decide whether he can amend his appeal.
Waititu had filed a fresh application on Tuesday, March 18, seeking to be released on bond as he continues to serve his jail term. However, his request comes amid an ongoing appeal challenging his conviction and sentencing.
Waititu’s Graft Conviction and Sentencing
On February 13, 2025, Waititu was found guilty of corruption in connection to the illegal awarding of a tender during his tenure as Kiambu Governor.
The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, sentenced him to 12 years in prison or an alternative fine of Ksh53.5 million.
The ruling detailed that Waititu would serve five years in prison unless he paid a fine of Ksh2.5 million. Additionally, he was handed a mandatory fine of Ksh51 million—failure to pay this amount would result in an extra seven-year jail term.
His wife, Susan Wangare, was also convicted in the same case and was directed to either pay a fine of Ksh500,000 or serve a one-year jail term. However, the magistrate clarified that her sentence would run concurrently.
During the court ruling, Magistrate Nzioki emphasized that Waititu’s conduct could not be excused, as his actions undermined the principles of good governance.
Failed Bail Application and Health Concerns
Following his conviction, Waititu immediately filed an appeal, seeking to overturn his sentencing. He also applied for bail, citing health concerns, including chest pains and high blood pressure.
However, the court rejected his bail request after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully opposed his application.
With the latest court ruling extending his stay in custody, Waititu will now have to wait until April 23 to learn if he will be allowed to amend his appeal.
High-Profile Supporters Stand with Waititu
During his recent court appearance, Waititu was accompanied by prominent political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who showed their support for him.
Other Convicted Individuals in the Tender Scandal
Waititu was not the only person found guilty in the corruption case. His former Chief Officer for Roads, Transport, Public Works, and Utilities, Luka Mwangi Wahinya, was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of Ksh1 million.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay a mandatory fine of Ksh20 million, failure to which he would serve five more years in jail.
The court also convicted two directors of Testimony Enterprises Limited, the company at the center of the tender scandal.
Charles Chege Mbuthia was sentenced to four years in prison or a fine of Ksh2 million, while Beth Wangeci Mburu was given three years or an alternative fine of Ksh1.4 million.
Furthermore, the court imposed a mandatory fine of Ksh294 million on the company’s directors.
With his legal battles far from over, Waititu now faces an uncertain future as he remains in custody, awaiting the court’s decision on his appeal.
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