Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Corruption [Facts]

Nairobi, Kenya – In a landmark ruling that sets a stern precedent in Kenya’s fight against corruption, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 53.5 million ($400,000). The sentence was handed down by Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Waititu, once a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, was convicted alongside his wife, Susan Wangari, and three others for their involvement in the irregular awarding of a lucrative road construction tender worth Ksh 588 million ($4.5 million). One of the key allegations was that Waititu had taken a kickback of Ksh 29 million ($220,000) in relation to this tender.

His wife, Susan Wangari, received a sentence of one year in prison or a fine of Ksh 500,000. The other accomplices, Charles Chege and Beth Wangeci, directors of Testimony Enterprises Limited, and Lucas Wahinya, a former Kiambu roads official, were all implicated in the scandal, which involved conflict of interest, fraud, and the awarding of contracts without proper authorization.

The trial, which gained national attention after Waititu’s impeachment and removal from office in 2020, has been a focal point for discussions on corruption in public office. The court also imposed a 10-year ban on Waititu and his co-convicts from holding any public office, aiming to prevent future malfeasance.

During the sentencing, Waititu’s legal team requested consideration for his health issues, but the magistrate instructed that his medical needs be addressed by prison officials.

The case has stirred significant public discourse, with social media platforms like X buzzing with reactions, from applauding the judiciary’s decision to demanding more systemic changes to combat corruption. Kenyan media, including People Daily, The Star, and KTN News, have given extensive coverage to the trial, underscoring the public’s demand for accountability in governance.

This conviction is perceived by some as an indication of President William Ruto’s government’s resolve to tackle corruption, although skepticism persists about the consistency and depth of these efforts. The case of Waititu and the Ksh 29 million kickback accusation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in rooting out corruption within Kenyan politics and administration.