Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been found guilty of involvement in a multi-million shilling corruption scandal, following a ruling by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki convicted Waititu on multiple charges related to fraudulent tender awards, conflict of interest, and forgery, which led to the embezzlement of Ksh 588 million in public funds.

The case, which involved several county officials and Waititu's wife, raised serious concerns about abuse of office and financial misconduct within Kiambu County’s administration. The court determined that Waititu had illegally benefited from public funds through various corrupt activities, including the fraudulent awarding of tenders. One of the key findings revealed that Waititu personally profited from Ksh 25 million funneled through a company linked to him, further deepening the case against him.

In his ruling, Magistrate Nzioki emphasized that Waititu and his co-accused had breached public trust by engaging in unethical practices that deprived the county government of vital resources meant for development and public services. The case has drawn significant public attention as it highlights the ongoing issue of corruption at various levels of government.

Waititu's conviction marks a significant development in Kenya's efforts to tackle corruption within its public sector, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct and abuse of office. His sentencing is expected to serve as a strong deterrent to other public officials involved in similar practices.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for stronger actions against corruption while others emphasize the need for further reforms to ensure the transparency and accountability of public officeholders. The case is a critical moment in the country's broader fight against corruption and the quest for justice for public resources misused by those in power.

February 12, 2025