High Court Releases Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu on Ksh53 Million Bond in Graft Appeal
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been granted freedom by the High Court after spending nearly six months behind bars over a Ksh588 million corruption case.
Waititu was released on a Ksh53 million bond, a move that allows him to remain out of prison as he challenges his conviction and 12-year sentence. The former county chief was earlier found guilty of corruption and abuse of office, with the court determining he had irregularly awarded tenders during his time in office in 2018.
The decision to grant him bond comes after the High Court allowed him to amend his appeal application on April 23. In the appeal, Waititu cited declining health, including chest pains and high blood pressure, as reasons for his release. Despite these pleas, he remained in remand at Industrial Area Prison before being transferred.
The court had sentenced Waititu to five years in prison or a fine of Ksh2.5 million. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a mandatory fine of Ksh51 million or serve a further seven years in default. He was also barred from holding public office for ten years.
The ruling by Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki also affected Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangare, who was fined Ksh500,000 or face a one-year prison term. The court, however, directed that her sentences run concurrently.
Magistrate Nzioki emphasized that Waititu’s actions were inexcusable, stating they went against the principles of good governance. Waititu has remained under scrutiny since his impeachment in 2019 when 63 Kiambu County Assembly Members voted to remove him over allegations of corruption, gross misconduct, and abuse of office. The motion was tabled by Ndenderu MCA Solomon Kinuthia.
The High Court will now proceed to review the merits of Waititu’s appeal.
