Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Released on Bail in KSh588 Million Graft Case
Former Ferdinand Waititu has been released from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison after the High Court of Kenya reviewed his bail terms while he awaits the hearing of his appeal in a KSh588 million corruption case.
Waititu walked out of prison on Thursday, March 5, following a ruling by the Milimani High Court that allowed a review of the conditions attached to his bail. The court ordered the former governor to deposit cash bail of KSh20 million and provide two sureties, each backed by property valued at not less than KSh30 million.
The development comes weeks after Waititu was convicted in February for failing to safeguard public funds during his tenure as governor of Kiambu County. The court found that he had allegedly received KSh25 million from a company connected to an irregular tender award involving county projects.
Following the conviction, the court had initially ordered Waititu to pay a fine of KSh53.5 million or serve 12 years in prison. His incarceration at Kamiti Maximum Prison sparked widespread public debate on corruption cases involving senior political leaders in Kenya.
The case also involved his wife, Susan Wangari, who faced related charges. The court ordered her to pay a fine of KSh500,000 or serve one year in jail.
Legal experts say the latest court decision does not overturn the conviction but allows Waititu temporary freedom while the appeal process continues in the High Court. His legal team has maintained that the appeal will challenge both the conviction and the sentence handed down earlier.
The case remains one of the high-profile corruption cases in Kenya, highlighting ongoing efforts by the judiciary to address misuse of public funds by public officials.
