The High Court has granted former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu permission to amend his appeal for bail, marking a key procedural milestone in his ongoing corruption case.
In a ruling delivered on April 23, 2025, Justice Lucy Njuguna ruled that the amendments were necessary for the proper determination of the matter. The decision allows Waititu to revise his initial petition by introducing new arguments, correcting omissions, and updating factual details.
Waititu is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence or an alternative fine of KSh52.5 million after being convicted of unlawfully awarding county tenders to companies linked to his family during his tenure as governor. His wife, Susan Wangare, was also convicted and sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of KSh500,000.
In his amended appeal, Waititu’s legal team argues that his deteriorating health, including chest pains and high blood pressure, justifies his release on bail. They claim that continuing to serve part of his sentence while his appeal is pending may lead to a miscarriage of justice if the appeal ultimately succeeds.
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is opposing the bail request, maintaining that Waititu has not demonstrated exceptional circumstances that would justify release.
Previous attempts to secure bail on medical grounds were dismissed by the court, which held that prison facilities are equipped to manage his health condition.
Although the court’s latest ruling does not guarantee a favourable outcome for Waititu, it provides him with an opportunity to strengthen his case ahead of the next hearing. Legal analysts say the development is a procedural win, not a substantive one.
Waititu’s case continues to attract public interest. It highlights the legal hurdles faced by public officials convicted of corruption in Kenya and the broader fight for accountability within the justice system.
