Court Rules Waititu Must Serve Sentence for Sh25 Million Bribery, Rejects Medical Claims

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu will remain in custody after the High Court denied his application for release on bond pending appeal, dashing hopes for an immediate reprieve.

Justice Lucy Njuguna affirms the previous ruling, ordering Waititu, along with Charles Chege and Mwangi Wahinya, to continue serving their sentences following their conviction on charges of accepting bribes exceeding Sh25 million during Waititu's tenure. Waititu has been sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of Sh53.5 million.

Chege faces a fine of Sh295 million or imprisonment, while Wahinya's penalty is a fine of Sh21 million or a custodial sentence. Justice Njuguna has dismissed the appeal for bond, stating that the defense's arguments lacked sufficient legal basis.

She concurs with the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the defense had failed to present valid legal grounds for release. Addressing Waititu's claims regarding severe health issues requiring specialized medical attention, Justice Njuguna ruled that prison facilities are adequately equipped to manage his condition.

The court has instructed both the defense and prosecution to submit written arguments in preparation for the appeal hearing, scheduled to take place within the next two months. Waititu's legal team has argued that the initial trial court had failed to adequately assess the evidence presented, citing alleged inconsistencies and the absence of key witnesses.

They further contend that the prosecution did not meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and that the court had not sufficiently considered Waititu's testimony or his defense.