NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is set to appear before the Anti-Corruption High Court today in a fresh bid to overturn his 12-year prison sentence for corruption.
Waititu, along with other convicted individuals in the Sh588 million fraud case, is challenging both the verdict and the sentence, seeking relief through the appeal process.
This comes weeks after the High Court rejected Waititu’s request for bail pending appeal, ruling that he had failed to demonstrate a strong likelihood of success.
On March 3, 2025, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna dismissed Waititu’s application for bond, stating that the former governor had not provided sufficient grounds to warrant his release.
“It is my finding that the applicants have not met the conditions for bail. The applications are hereby dismissed,” Justice Njuguna ruled.
Waititu, who has been in custody since his conviction, had hoped to secure his release by arguing that his appeal was likely to succeed and that his continued detention was unjust.
However, the court maintained that bail is not an automatic right and must be granted on merit.
The former governor was found guilty of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property in connection to a Sh588 million road tender in Kiambu County.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki ruled that Waititu corruptly benefited from county funds, sentencing him to 12 years in prison or an alternative fine of Sh53.7 million.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed Waititu’s bid for bail, arguing that his conviction was lawful and well-grounded in evidence.
Prosecutors insisted that he should serve his sentence as the appeal process unfolds.
Waititu also sought to secure bail on medical grounds, claiming that his deteriorating health required urgent attention outside prison.
However, the court dismissed this argument, stating that prison facilities provide adequate healthcare and that serious cases are referred to specialized hospitals.
The ruling further countered Waititu’s concerns about delays in hearing his appeal, assuring that the matter would be determined within two months.
Today’s court session is expected to provide further direction on the appeal, with Lady Justice Njuguna scheduling the case for mention on March 18, 2025.
Waititu’s legal team, led by lawyer Danstan Omari, has maintained that the trial magistrate failed to consider crucial defense evidence, giving them grounds to challenge the conviction.
