Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu
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The incarceration of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has triggered a significant political outcry, with allegations surfacing that his conviction is strategically aimed at preventing a potential resurgence in his political career.
Irungu Nyakera, Chairman of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), has voiced strong criticism, asserting that Waititu's transfer to Kamiti Maximum Prison was executed with excessive force. He suggests apprehension within political circles regarding his future influence.
Nyakera, in a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, characterizes Waititu's situation as politically motivated, questioning the impartiality of his treatment under the law. He highlights the extensive security detail accompanying Waititu’s transfer – reportedly involving more than six Land Cruisers – as evidence of an underlying fear within the political establishment.
"More than six Land Cruisers picked up Waititu from Industrial Area Prison on March 24 and took him to Kamiti Maximum. What he is going through is not justice; it is politics disguised as law. This is fear. Fear of his comeback," Nyakera says.
Nyakera draws parallels between Waititu's current predicament and the historical imprisonments of prominent figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, Koigi wa Wamwere, and Kenneth Matiba, all of whom experienced incarceration but later returned to positions of significant influence. Waititu's legal challenges stem from a February 13, 2025, sentencing, where he received a 12-year prison term or a Sh53.5 million fine following his conviction on corruption charges related to a Sh588 million road tender scandal during his tenure as Kiambu governor.
“Jomo Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, Koigi wa Wamwere, Kenneth Matiba were jailed, mocked, written off but history had other plans. This is not Waititu’s end. It's his awakening,” he states.
The court determined that Waititu had illegally awarded the tender, resulting in a five-year jail sentence or a Sh2.5 million fine, along with a mandatory Sh51 million fine, with a seven-year prison term as an alternative. Despite his conviction, Waititu has filed a new application seeking release on bond while he continues to serve his jail term.
His wife, Susan Wangare, was also implicated in the scandal and received a fine of Sh500,000 or a one-year prison sentence. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, in his ruling, emphasized the gravity of Waititu's actions, stating that they undermined the tenets of good governance and constituted a breach of public trust.
''This case is a typical example of a breach of public trust by the former Governor and the co-accused. The offending acts of the accused persons were deliberate, inexcusable, and undermined the tenants of good governance,'' Nzioka stated.