Blow to Waititu as High Court upholds 12-year sentence in Ksh588m corruption case

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is headed back to prison after the High Court upheld his conviction and sentence in a Sh588.7 million corruption case, cancelling the bond terms that had allowed him to remain out of custody.

Justice Rose Ougo of the Milimani Anti-Corruption High Court dismissed appeals filed by Waititu and his co-convicts, Luka Mwangi Wahinya and Chege, affirming their convictions and sentences over the irregular award of a road construction tender in Kiambu County.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Justice Ougo ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge also overturned the acquittals on money laundering charges involving the three men and Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangari, directing that all four be presented before the trial court for mitigation and sentencing.

Justice Ougo ordered Waititu and Wahinya, who had been released on bond pending the determination of their appeals, to be taken to Nairobi Remand Prison.

“The bond terms granted to the first appellant and the third appellant are hereby cancelled, and they shall be remanded at Nairobi Remand Prison,” the judge ruled.

Wangari was ordered to be held at Lang’ata Women’s Prison until Monday, October 19, when the four are expected to appear before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate’s Court for mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering charges.

The High Court found no reason to interfere with the penalties imposed by the trial court, dismissing the appellants’ arguments challenging their sentences.

Justice Ougo said the fines imposed under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act were in accordance with the law, noting that the legislation provides for mandatory fines in corruption cases.

“The fines imposed by the court under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, being mandatory fines, were properly imposed,” she ruled.

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The decision marks a major setback for Waititu and his co-accused, who had challenged both their convictions and the sentences imposed by the trial court.

Waititu was sentenced in February 2025 to 12 years in prison or a fine of Sh52,749,000 after being convicted of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property.

His wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Sh500,000 for dealing with suspect property.

Wahinya was handed a seven-year prison term or a fine of Sh21 million for abuse of office.

Charles Chege, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, the company linked to the disputed tender, was sentenced to 11 years in prison or a fine of Sh297,048,110.

His wife and co-director, Beth Wangeci, received a three-year prison term or a fine of Sh1.4 million for fraudulent practices and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

The court also disqualified all the convicted persons from holding public office, whether elective or appointive, for 10 years under Section 64 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

Waititu and his co-accused were first arraigned on July 19, 2019, and charged with offences including fraud, conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property and money laundering.

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