Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was found guilty of corruption, marking a significant victory in Kenya’s ongoing battle against graft. The conviction, delivered on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, reinforcing the growing trend of accountability in public office.
Waititu, alongside his wife Susan Wangari, and directors of Testimony Enterprises, Charles Chege and Beth Wangeci, were convicted for their involvement in the fraudulent award of a Ksh588 million road contract. This verdict, coming just six months after former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal was convicted on similar charges, underscores the tightening noose around corrupt officials.
The case against Waititu centered on multiple charges, including conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property. The prosecution proved that between July 2018 and March 2019, Waititu and his wife received Ksh51 million from Kiambu County through companies they controlled Saika Two Estate Developers and Bienvenue Delta Hotel. The court deemed these transactions as clear violations of public trust, dismantling Waititu’s claims of political persecution.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki, in his ruling, highlighted that the prosecution’s 32 witnesses and documentary evidence painted an undeniable picture of corruption. “The inevitable conclusion is that Waititu is liable for conflict of interest by acquiring an indirect personal interest of Ksh25 million from Testimony Enterprises,” Nzyuki stated. The funds were funneled through his businesses, directly benefiting from county contracts awarded irregularly.
The court also found former roads official Lucas Wahinya guilty of neglecting procurement laws, allowing the fraudulent tender award to proceed. Wahinya disregarded professional advice from the county’s procurement boss, Justus Bundi, who had raised concerns over the tendering process, including the introduction of new, undisclosed criteria that skewed the evaluation process in favor of Testimony Enterprises. Additionally, a Chinese construction firm testified that its letterhead had been forged to facilitate the deal.
As the sentencing phase approaches, the prosecution has urged the court to impose a severe penalty to serve as a deterrent. “Corruption is a cancer suffocating this nation,” the prosecutor emphasized, warning that such fraudulent activities stifle economic growth and discourage investment.
Waititu’s conviction bars him from holding public office, effectively ending his political career. His recent appointment as Farmers Party leader now hangs in the balance. With over 20 counties currently under anti-graft investigations, this ruling signals a new era of accountability for Kenya’s political class.
