Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu has been barred from holding public office for 10 years after being found guilty in a Sh588 million corruption case.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki delivered the ruling, sentencing Waititu to a Sh53.5 million fine or 12 years in prison. His wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, was fined Sh500,000 or sentenced to one year in jail.
Waititu’s co-accused, Luka Mwangi Wahinya, former Chief Officer for Roads in Kiambu County, was fined Sh21 million or sentenced to seven years in prison for abuse of office.
Businessman Charles Chege, owner of Testimony Enterprises Ltd., was fined Sh295 million or sentenced to nine years in prison for unlawfully acquiring Sh147 million in public funds through irregular procurement. His wife, Beth Wangeci, was fined Sh1.4 million or alternatively served two years in prison for similar offenses.
Prosecution Counsel Faith Mwila urged the court to impose a severe penalty, emphasising the need for a strong deterrent against corruption.
Waititu faced three main charges: conflict of interest in public procurement, engaging in transactions involving questionable assets and possession of unlawfully acquired property, a charge he shared with his wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, the owner of the Benzene Delta Hotel.
The couple was accused of receiving Sh7.2 million from Testimony Enterprises Ltd., despite knowing the funds were fraudulently obtained from the Kiambu County Government.
By Natasha Lelenguya