Blow to Ferdinand Waititu as Court Revokes Bond, Orders Detention

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered a major setback after the High Court upheld his conviction and sentence in a corruption case, revoked his bond and ordered his detention alongside three co-accused.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed the court's decision, which also affected Waititu's wife, Susan Wangari Ndungu, former Kiambu County Chief Officer for Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities Luka Mwangi Wahinya, and Charles Chege Mbuthia, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited.

The ODPP said the High Court had upheld the convictions and sentences imposed on Waititu and his co-accused in an appeal involving several corruption-related offences.

"The High Court has upheld the conviction and sentence of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his co-accused in an appeal involving multiple corruption-related offences," the statement read.

According to the ODPP, the appellants had challenged their convictions over alleged offences linked to procurement and the handling of public resources during Waititu's tenure as Kiambu Governor. 

The charges included conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, abuse of office, fraudulent practices in procurement and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

The ODPP outlined the grounds of the appeal, which sought to overturn the convictions arising from the corruption-related case.

"The appellants had challenged their convictions on charges of conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, abuse of office, engaging in fraudulent practices in procurement and fraudulent acquisition of public property arising from matters during Waititu’s tenure as Kiambu Governor," the statement added.

In a ruling delivered by Lady Justice Rose Ougo, the High Court upheld the convictions on the other charges and overturned the subordinate court's acquittal on the money laundering charges.

The court also revoked the bonds previously granted to the appellants, directing that they remain in custody as they await mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering charges before the subordinate court.

Under the orders, Susan Wangari Ndungu was to be detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, while Waititu, Wahinya and Mbuthia were ordered to be held at Nairobi Remand Prison.

The court granted the appellants 14 days within which to appeal the decision, providing a window for them to challenge the ruling.

The matter is scheduled to return to the Anti-Corruption Magistrate’s Court on October 19, 2026, for mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering charges.

"The matter is scheduled for mitigation and sentencing at the Anti-Corruption Magistrate’s Court on 19th October 2026," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar to appear before its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee over remarks he allegedly made about deceased voters participating in elections.

In a notice on Wednesday, October 14, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said Omar was required to appear before the committee on October 21 at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

IEBC said the summons followed statements Omar allegedly made during a public rally in Mombasa County on September 11 concerning voting by deceased voters.

"The summons arises from statements allegedly made by the former Senator at a public rally in Mombasa County on 11th September 2026 on voting by deceased voters. The matter was brought to the Commission's attention and is being considered under the Electoral Code of Conduct set out in the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011," the statement read.

IEBC clarified that the summons was intended to give Omar an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the committee reached a decision.

"The summons gives the former Senator an opportunity to respond to the allegations, in keeping with the right to fair administrative action and the right to be heard. The Committee will make its determination only after considering the material and representations before it. The Commission expects the former Senator to honour the summons and cooperate with the proceedings," the statement added.

IEBC further maintained that it would handle the matter independently and impartially, adding that anyone appearing before the committee would be given a fair opportunity to present their case.