Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu and his wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, are set to spend the night in custody as they await sentencing on Thursday, February 13, 2025, following their conviction in a Ksh 588 million graft case involving a road tender scandal.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) successfully prosecuted the case, leading to Waititu’s conviction on three counts of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property. The court found that the former governor had unlawfully obtained an indirect personal benefit of Ksh 25,624,500 from Testimony Enterprises Ltd, a company that had been irregularly awarded the tender.
Additionally, Waititu and his wife were found guilty of receiving Ksh 7,214,000 through their businesses. The court ruled that the couple engaged in fraudulent activities that resulted in the misuse of public funds. The former Chief Officer, Luka Waihinya, was also convicted of abuse of office in connection with the same case.
Testimony Enterprises Ltd, alongside its directors, Charles Mbuthia Chege and Beth Wangeci Mburu, were found guilty of engaging in fraudulent practices and the illegal acquisition of public property. The company had been awarded the road construction tender under irregular circumstances, leading to significant financial loss for the county government.
Following their convictions, the accused individuals were immediately taken into custody. They will remain detained until their sentencing on Thursday, a decision that marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing fight against corruption.
The sentencing of Waititu and his co-accused will be closely watched, as it is expected to set a precedent for similar high-profile graft cases in the country. Legal experts suggest that the severity of the punishment will reflect the government’s commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.
Waititu, who once held a strong political presence in Kiambu County, has faced multiple corruption allegations over the years. His tenure as governor was marred by claims of financial mismanagement and irregular procurement practices, leading to his impeachment in 2020.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision, the case serves as a stern warning to public officials involved in graft-related activities. The sentencing on Thursday will determine the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and the rule of law in Kenya.
