In a stern message against the diversion of public funds at the county level, the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Rose Ougo, officially upheld the conviction and 12-year jail sentence handed to former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in connection with a KSh 588 million road tender corruption scandal.
NAIROBI / NYERI, Kenya — The landscape of Kenyan politics and anti-corruption enforcement witnessed two major structural developments today: a definitive judicial confirmation of imprisonment for a prominent former governor, alongside high-stakes consultations at the Wamunyoro residence of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
High Court Upholds Waititu’s 12-Year Jail Term
In a stern message against the diversion of public funds at the county level, the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Rose Ougo, officially upheld the conviction and 12-year jail sentence handed to former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in connection with a KSh 588 million road tender corruption scandal.
Waititu, alongside his wife Susan Wangari and former county officials, had appealed their initial conviction, arguing that the sentencing terms were overly harsh and that trial court procedures suffered from legal errors.
However, Justice Ougo dismissed the defense applications in their entirety, setting aside previous acquittals on related money-laundering charges and ruling that the prosecution had conclusively demonstrated how public funds were siphoned through proxy firms to purchase private commercial real estate in Nairobi.
THE WAITITU KSH 588M GRAFT CASE AT A GLANCE
| Key Legal Details | Official Court Finding / Outcome |
|---|---|
| Core Charge | Fraudulent procurement of Kiambu road works |
| Total Value | KSh 588 Million in public funds |
| Custodial Sentence | 12-Year Imprisonment (Upheld by High Court) |
| Money Laundering Charges | Acquittals overturned; Convictions entered |
| Remand Status | Remanded at Lang’ata & Industrial Area GK |
When Waititu and his legal counsel appeared before Anti-Corruption Magistrate Harrison Barasa for mitigation and final procedural directions, defense attorneys raised technical objections regarding corporate liability.
However, the prosecution maintained a firm stance, demanding that all convicted individuals begin serving their custodial sentences immediately without further delay.
“The upholding of this 12-year sentence marks a vital precedent in Kenya’s fight against public procurement fraud,” stated Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) legal representatives.
“It demonstrates that holding public office does not grant immunity from criminal prosecution or protect corrupt actors from forfeiting illicit gains.”
Waititu and his co-accused have been remanded to Lang’ata Women’s GK Prison and Industrial Area Remand Prison respectively, as the court prepares final administrative orders for October 22.