Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has lost his appeal against his conviction and 12-year prison sentence in the Sh588.7 million graft case, with the High Court directing that he be returned to prison.
The Court upheld the conviction and sentence imposed by the Magistrate’s Court against Waititu and his co-convicts over corruption-related offences linked to the irregular award of a county government tender.
In a further setback for the former governor, the court overturned the lower court’s decision to acquit him and his co-accused of the money laundering charge. The court ordered the accused persons to appear before the trial court on Monday for mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering charge.
Waititu, whose full name is Ferdinand Waititu Ndung’u, was sentenced in February 2025 to 12 years in prison or a fine of Sh52,749,000 for offences including conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property.
His wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Sh500,000 for dealing with suspect property.
Former Kiambu County Chief Officer for Roads Luka Wahinya was sentenced to seven years in prison or a fine of Sh21 million for abuse of office.
Charles Chege, the director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, which was irregularly awarded the tender at the centre of the case, received an 11-year prison sentence or a fine of Sh297,048,110.
His wife and co-director, Beth Wangeci, was sentenced to three years in prison or a fine of Sh1.4 million for offences relating to fraudulent practices and the fraudulent acquisition of public property.
The court also disqualified all those convicted from holding public office, whether elective or appointive, for 10 years in accordance with Section 64 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
Waititu and his co-accused were first arraigned in court on July 19, 2019, and charged with offences including fraud, conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property and money laundering. The case centred on alleged irregularities in the award of a county government tender valued at Sh588.7 million, with prosecutors pursuing charges linked to the handling of public funds and the procurement process.
The High Court’s decision to uphold the convictions and sentences marks a major development in the long-running corruption case against the former governor and his co-accused. The separate money laundering charge will now proceed to mitigation and sentencing following the overturning of their acquittal on that count.
