Court Allows Waititu to Amend Bail Appeal Amid Ongoing Graft Sentence
Nairobi, Kenya
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence over a KSh 588 million corruption case, has been granted leave by the High Court to amend his application seeking release on bail.
Waititu, convicted on charges of conflict of interest and abuse of office, had earlier sought bail pending appeal, but his initial application was rejected. The court assured that the appeal would be handled swiftly but found no compelling reason at the time to release him.
New Evidence Sparks Fresh Legal Push
In a new application, Waititu requested to revise his petition, introducing fresh grounds and evidence to strengthen his bid for temporary release. On Tuesday, April 23, the High Court allowed the amendment, giving the former county boss a renewed opportunity to argue for bail.
Waititu is contesting both the conviction and the severity of the sentence, which includes a fine of KSh 52.5 million or a custodial sentence. As part of his punishment, he was also barred from holding any public office for seven years, further dampening any immediate political ambitions.
Waititu’s Legal Saga Continues
The former governor’s legal team has not disclosed the nature of the new evidence, but sources suggest it may involve discrepancies in the procurement procedures used in the graft case, which involved infrastructure contracts awarded during his tenure.
Waititu was charged alongside his wife, Susan Ndung'u, who was sentenced to one year in prison or a KSh 500,000 fine. Both were found guilty of using their positions to influence the awarding of contracts to companies linked to their family.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The Waititu case has remained a symbol of Kenya’s ongoing battle against corruption, drawing sharp attention to the accountability of high-profile political figures. His conviction marked a rare instance of a senior politician facing real consequences for graft, though some critics argue it remains an exception rather than the norm.
While Waititu's legal efforts may revive his political hopes, the public and anti-corruption agencies continue to monitor how the judiciary handles appeals involving powerful individuals.
As he awaits a ruling on his bail release, legal experts say the outcome could influence future strategies for politicians facing corruption charges—especially those with lingering ambitions for public office.
