Ex-Kiambu Governor Waititu Arrested

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been arrested.

In an update on X on Monday, September 30, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said the former governor was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The lawyer added that Waititu was arrested over statements he made during an event in Ruiru on Sunday, September 29.

"Ferdinand Waititu has been arrested by DCI officers for alleged utterances at Ruiru yesterday," Ndegwa wrote on X.

Waititu is accused of making hate speech remarks in his native language on Sunday in Ruiru, Kiambu County. 

According to Ndegwa, who is Waitutu's lawyer, the move to arrest the Former Governor by DCI officers is meant to intimidate him. 

This comes two months after Waititu criticized President William Ruto for his handling of the anti-government protests in June and July 2024. 

Speaking in an interview on July 2, 2024, Waititu suggested that Ruto should consider resigning, likening his situation to leaders in other countries who faced similar unrest and were ousted.

He accused Ruto of failing to fulfill campaign promises, leading to public discontent fueled by the rising cost of living under his administration.

Waititu condemned Ruto's lack of empathy, particularly during his first address after recent protests, where he focused on property damage rather than the loss of life. 

"Instead of sympathising and sending condolences to the families whose children died, he was busy complaining about what had been destroyed," Waititu stated.

He also highlighted the disconnect between Ruto's administration and the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, criticizing the perceived greed among political leaders.