NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered a setback after the High Court dismissed his application to review a 12-year sentence imposed earlier this year over corruption-related charges.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 16, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna rejected Waititu’s plea, saying the conviction and sentence would stand until his pending appeal is heard and determined.
Waititu, popularly known as Baba Yao, had moved to court on August 28 seeking to overturn his sentence, arguing that the punishment was excessive.
But Justice Njuguna said the court was satisfied that the sentence was lawful and proportionate, and directed that the appeal be heard and concluded within 120 days.
She cautioned that any delays caused by Waititu could result in the case being struck out.
Win for DPP as Waititu’s fresh bid to review 12-year sentence dismissed.The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has successfully opposed a bid by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is serving a 12-year prison term, to review his sentence.Lady Justice Lucy
He was fined Sh53.5 million or, in default, to serve 12 years in prison.
Waititu failed to raise the required Sh53 million bank guarantee for bail and has since been serving his term at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully opposed the review application, terming it an attempt to derail accountability in the fight against corruption.
The case will be mentioned again on October 1, 2025, as the hearing of the substantive appeal gets underway.
