Editor's Review

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been released after spending close to six months in prison.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been released after spending close to six months in prison. 

In the ruling delivered on Thursday, July 31, the High Court granted Waititu a Ksh53 million bond pending the outcome of his appeal in his Ksh588 million graft case. 

Waititu was on February 13, 2025, sentenced to serve 12 years in jail should he fail to pay a Ksh53.5 million fine.

In the sentencing delivered by Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, Waititu's wife, Susan Wangari, was also fined Ksh500,000. 

File image of Ferdinand Waititu and his wife Susan Wangari

The duo was found guilty of fraud and conflict of interest in a Ksh588 million graft case.

"Ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu has been slapped with a Ksh51 million mandatory fine by the courts following his conviction in a conflict of interest case. 

"If he fails to pay up, the Governor will serve 7 years in prison. Further, Waititu has been sentenced to 5 years in prison or pay a separate fine of Ksh. 2.5 million," the ODPP said in a statement.

Waititu and his wife had been accused of benefiting from a county road tender through their company in a case that dates back to 2018, when Waititu was the county chief. 

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the duo engaged in fraudulent procurement practices.

"Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga successfully proved to the court that the ex-county boss and his co-accused were guilty of conflict of interest, abuse of office, engaging in fraudulent practices in procurement, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and dealing with suspected property," read the statement in part.

"Waititu was convicted by Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki alongside his wife Susan Wangari Ndungu, Luka Mwangi Wahinya (former Chief Officer, Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities) Charles Chege Mbuthia and Beth Wangeci Mburu who are the Directors of Testimony Enterprises Limited, Testimony Enterprises Limited, Saika Two Estate Developers Limited, and Bienvenue Delta Hotel."