By Billian Fatima
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh53.5 million after being found guilty of corruption-related charges by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. Waititu was convicted for his role in irregularly awarding tenders worth Ksh588 million during his tenure as governor in 2018.
The court also convicted Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangare, who was given the option of serving a one-year prison sentence or paying a Ksh500,000 fine. Alongside them, co-accused individuals in the case also faced similar penalties.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, who presided over the case, emphasized the seriousness of the offense, describing the actions as a "deliberate, inexcusable breach of public trust." He further stated that the accused's conduct undermined the principles of good governance and public integrity.
In addition to the prison sentences and fines, the court barred Waititu, his wife, and their co-accused from holding any public office for the next ten years. The ruling also ordered the return of confiscated documents, including title deeds and passports, to the accused. However, the court granted them a 14-day window to appeal the decision.
Waititu’s defense lawyer raised concerns about his client’s health and requested permission for the former governor to seek medical treatment during his sentence. The request is yet to be addressed by the court.
This ruling marks a significant moment in Kenya’s ongoing fight against corruption, as Waititu becomes the second former governor in the country to be convicted of a criminal offense. The case highlights the judiciary's firm stance on tackling corruption within public office.
The sentencing of Waititu and his co-accused is expected to send a strong message to public officials, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.
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