Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has appealed his 12-year prison sentence after his conviction in a Ksh588 million fraud case.
In his appeal, Waititu contends that Millimani Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki made errors in his judgment, which he believes led to an unjust conviction. Currently, he is receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after developing blood pressure complications.
During his sentencing on February 13, Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki of the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court opted not to issue an immediate order for Waititu’s hospitalization.
Instead, he directed that any medical concerns be managed by the Industrial Area Prison, where Waititu sent.
Waititu Appeals 12 Year Sentence
Waititu’s was among individuals convicted in a Ksh588 million graft case, for which he was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a Ksh52.5 million fine.
Magistrate Nzyoki found him guilty on four counts involving the improper awarding of tenders totaling Ksh588 million.
The court ruled that Waititu unlawfully benefited from public funds, including Ksh25.6 million received through a company connected to him.
Furthermore, the court barred Waititu, his wife, and his co-accused from holding public office for ten years.
Waititu was charged alongside his wife, Susan Ndung’u, who received a sentence of one year in prison or a Ksh500,000 fine.
Also Read: Waititu Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
Their co-accused, Charles Chege, director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, was sentenced to nine years in prison with an option to pay a Ksh 295 million fine.
Another director at Testimony Enterprises Limited, Beth Wangeci, was fined Ksh1 million or sentenced to one year in prison. Additionally, former Kiambu County Roads Chief Officer Luka Mwangi Wahinya was ordered to pay a total fine of Ksh 21 million or serve seven years in prison.
Other former governors have also been convicted of corruption. On August 29, 2024, former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal was found guilty of graft and was ordered to pay Ksh 85.4 million or face eight years in prison.
Former Governors Charged with Corruption
The court determined that he had corruptly received Ksh84 million through his company, Oryx Service Station, which supplied petroleum products to the county government, resulting in a conflict of interest and abuse of office.
Also Read: Why Waititu Was Arrested After Forensic Analysis
In another case, the High Court approved the withdrawal of a Ksh1.9 billion asset recovery case against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his children, associated companies, and a businessman.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) dropped the case following an out-of-court settlement where the governor agreed to hand over some of his properties and assets to the authority.
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