Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was arrested on Wednesday after being found guilty of corruption-related charges linked to the irregular award of a Sh588 million roads tender.
His wife, Susan Wangari, and three other co-accused were also convicted in the high-profile case.
The ruling, delivered at the Milimani Law Courts, saw Waititu and his wife walk into the courtroom together before being informed of their fate.
The court found them guilty of benefiting from fraudulent procurement deals during his tenure as governor. The prosecution had presented compelling evidence showing how public funds were misappropriated in the roads tender scheme.
Former Kiambu Governor Fedinard Waititu during a past media presser. Photo: Tuko Source: Facebook
As the verdict was read out, emotions ran high, with Waititu and his co-accused pleading for leniency.
Through their lawyer, John Swaka, they begged for mercy, saying they had learned their lesson and deserved a second chance.
“We are sorry and ask for forgiveness from God and the court. We implore the court to have mercy on us,” their lawyer pleaded.
Shortly after the ruling, police officers moved in, leading Waititu and the other convicts out of the courtroom.
He was escorted to a waiting police Land Rover, where he was taken into custody. The former governor will remain in remand until Thursday, when the court is set to deliver its sentencing.
Former Kiambu County Governor makes a phone call when he attended a court session on February 12, 2025. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook
Waititu’s arrest and conviction mark a major development in Kenya’s fight against corruption, as the court’s decision sends a strong message to public officials involved in graft.
The sentencing is expected to determine whether he will face a hefty fine or a lengthy jail term.
Meanwhile, the former Kiambu boss has in the past insisted that he is clean and that his woes were brought by his hardline stance against President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza govt large.
Waititu said that 2027 poll will be a defining moment for him and those who are being persecuted by the state.
