Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered a setback in his bid to regain control of his assets, as a High Court judge has upheld a freeze order on his properties. The order, issued last year, prevents Waititu from collecting rental income from his Bienvenue Delta Hotel and other assets, pending the conclusion of a corruption case against him.
Justice Nixon Sifuna dismissed Waititu’s application to lift the freeze order, stating that such orders should only be lifted under exceptional circumstances. While acknowledging the potential financial hardship faced by Waititu and his businesses, the judge emphasized the serious nature of the allegations against the former governor.
Waititu had argued that the freeze order was adversely affecting his businesses, including the hotel, and that the income was crucial for servicing a Sh200 million loan used to acquire the property. He further claimed that the appointed receiver lacked the necessary expertise to manage the hotel effectively.
However, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) opposed the application, maintaining that the assets were acquired through corrupt means and should remain frozen until the case is concluded. The anti-graft agency alleges that Waititu amassed wealth disproportionate to his legitimate income while serving as the Member of Parliament for Kabete and later as Governor of Kiambu County.
The court ordered that the case be expedited, recognizing the sensitive nature of forfeiture proceedings and the need to avoid prolonged freeze orders. The matter is now set for determination within the next 60 days.
The freeze order covers 18 parcels of land, several vehicles, and the income generated from Bienvenue Delta Hotel and Bins Management Services Ltd. The EACC alleges that these assets were acquired between 2015 and 2020 through proceeds from fraudulent procurement contracts awarded during Waititu’s tenure as governor.
Key points:
- High Court upholds freeze order on Waititu’s assets.
- Waititu’s bid to unfreeze hotel revenue rejected.
- Case to be concluded within 60 days.
- EACC alleges assets acquired through corruption.
- Waititu claims financial hardship due to freeze order.
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