Waititu’s Wife Reveals Her Role in Sh588.7 Million Tender Case as Sentencing Nears

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his co-accused are facing a definitive sentencing deadline on November 2, 2026, even as their defence counsel signals an immediate challenge at the Court of Appeal.

Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa set the ruling date during Tuesday proceedings at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. The timeline follows a High Court decision that overturned earlier acquittals and upheld convictions tied to a controversial Ksh588.7 million road construction tender awarded by Kiambu County during the 2017/2018 financial year.

During the mitigation hearing, Waititu addressed the court directly to express remorse. “I apologise for the wrong I did. My wife and I are first offenders. I urge the court to consider a lenient punishment during sentencing,” he pleaded.

State prosecutor Vincent Monda pressed for a stiffer penalty, urging the court to hand down a six-year prison sentence on each count for Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari Ndung'u, and their co-accused. In response, defence lawyer Chris Mutuku argued for leniency, pointing out that the accused have already shouldered heavy financial penalties exceeding Sh50 million.

The defence heavily emphasised the conflicting judicial opinions throughout the litigation history, noting that a notice of appeal has already been filed. Counsel argued that given the initial acquittal by the trial court before the High Court's reversal, the Court of Appeal could ultimately reach a different conclusion regarding their innocence.

Focusing specifically on Susan Wangari, Mutuku described her as a "silent partner" in Testimony Enterprises, one of the primary companies linked to the transaction. He submitted that her involvement was limited to signing initial incorporation forms, with no role in company management, financial decision-making, or direct personal gain. 

“Crucifixion is by association, that's why she finds herself in the difficult position she is in,” Mutuku told the court.

The defence further referenced a state-produced audit report from the trial, arguing that no actual public funds were lost in the transactions. According to the submission, the legal fault lay strictly within the procurement process rather than misappropriation of funds.

Mitigation submissions also addressed co-accused Beth Wangeci, a director of Testimony Enterprises alongside her husband Charles Mbuthia. The court heard that Wangeci is a young mother, the primary breadwinner for her family, and cares for minor children.

Magistrate Barasa directed the defence to file written responses to the prosecution's submissions by the close of business on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Wangari, designated as the fifth accused person, will remain remanded at Lang'ata Women's Prison until the sentencing ruling is delivered at 11:30 am on November 2.