Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has once again found himself on the losing end after the High Court declined to alter his bond terms, leaving him with no choice but to remain in Kamiti Maximum Prison where he is serving a 12-year sentence.
His request to have the Ksh 53.5 million bank guarantee replaced with a cash deposit was firmly rejected by Justice Lucy Njuguna, who ruled that previous applications had already been considered and there was no justification to grant another.
This was the third time Waititu had attempted to seek relief, but the court maintained that continued requests would only serve to delay the appeal process.
Waititu’s legal troubles began when he was convicted in February 2025 for irregularly receiving Ksh 25 million from Testimony Enterprises through an unlawful tender award.
The court held that he failed to protect public funds, an act that amounted to abuse of office. As part of the judgment, he was ordered to either pay a fine of Ksh 53.5 million or serve a 12-year prison sentence. His wife, Susan Wangare, who was also implicated in the matter, was fined Ksh 500,000 or given the option of serving a one-year sentence.
While Wangare managed to pay her fine, her husband has been unable to raise the hefty amount required to secure his freedom.
In her ruling, Justice Njuguna reminded Waititu’s lawyer that the matter also involved other accused persons who were still in custody and had raised concerns about delays in concluding the case.
She emphasized that her earlier directions granting time had already been generous, but further requests for variations would not be entertained.
According to the judge, the focus must now shift to hearing and determining the appeal within 120 days.
She underlined that the countdown started from the day of her ruling, making it clear that time is of the essence.
The judge also issued a warning against filing unnecessary applications that could slow down the judicial process. She explained that prolonging the matter would not only disadvantage the accused persons but also undermine the administration of justice.
In her words, she had already done her best in considering the materials presented earlier and could not go back on her decision.
For Waititu, the ruling means that he remains behind bars as he awaits the outcome of his appeal. His fate now rests on whether the appellate court will find enough grounds to overturn the conviction and sentence.
Until then, the former county boss will continue to serve his sentence at Kamiti, a sharp fall from grace for a politician who once held one of the most powerful county positions in Kenya.
