Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Released on Bail Pending Appeal in Sh588 Million Graft Case

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been released from custody after the High Court reviewed his bail terms while he awaits the determination of his appeal in the Sh588 million Kiambu roads corruption case.

The ruling was delivered by the High Court of Kenya, which revised the earlier bail conditions that had kept the former governor behind bars following his conviction in 2025. The court allowed Waititu to secure his temporary freedom under new bond terms while his appeal proceeds through the legal system.

Bail Terms Revised

Waititu had initially been required to post a Sh53 million bond backed by a bank guarantee as part of the conditions for his release pending appeal. However, the High Court reviewed those terms after his legal team argued that the conditions were too restrictive.

Following the review, the court allowed him to be released on a Sh20 million cash bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

The decision enabled the former governor to regain his freedom after spending several months in custody following his conviction. His lawyers had maintained that he deserved the opportunity to remain free while challenging the trial court’s decision.

Background of the Sh588 Million Roads Scandal

The corruption case stems from Waititu’s tenure as governor of Kiambu County between 2017 and 2020. The case revolved around the irregular awarding of a road construction tender worth Sh588 million intended for upgrading several gravel roads in the county to bitumen standards.

Investigators established that a company known as Testimony Enterprises Limited had been awarded the lucrative contract under circumstances that raised questions about conflict of interest and financial impropriety.

During the trial, the court heard that Waititu and entities linked to him received millions of shillings from the contractor shortly after the tender was awarded. Prosecutors argued that these payments constituted proceeds of corruption and violated public procurement laws.

According to court findings, the former governor illegally benefited from the contract, receiving more than Sh25 million through companies associated with him.

Conviction and Sentencing

In February 2025, the Anti-Corruption Court found Waititu guilty of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property under Kenya’s anti-corruption laws.

The court sentenced him to pay a fine of approximately Sh53 million or serve a 12-year prison sentence if he failed to pay the fine. The judgment also barred him from holding any public office for a period of ten years.

Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u, was also implicated in the case and received a separate fine after being convicted of related offences.

Several other individuals linked to the tender, including county officials and business associates, were also convicted for their involvement in the scheme.

Asset Investigations

Beyond the criminal charges, the case also triggered broader investigations into the former governor’s wealth. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has previously pursued cases seeking the forfeiture of assets believed to be linked to unexplained wealth.

Authorities questioned the source of large amounts of property and financial assets associated with Waititu and his family.

In separate legal proceedings, courts ordered the forfeiture of assets worth more than Sh131 million believed to be linked to corruption-related activities.

Investigators have also examined assets estimated to be worth billions of shillings, arguing that some of the wealth may not be consistent with the former governor’s known income.

Political Career and Controversies

Waititu rose to national prominence through a political career that included serving as a Member of Parliament before becoming governor of Kiambu County in 2017. His tenure as governor, however, was overshadowed by corruption allegations and political disputes.

In 2020, the Senate of Kenya upheld his impeachment from office after the county assembly accused him of abuse of office, gross misconduct, and corruption.

The impeachment effectively ended his tenure as governor and marked a significant setback in his political career.

Appeal Still Pending

Despite the conviction, Waititu has consistently maintained his innocence. Through his lawyers, he argues that the trial court made errors in evaluating evidence and applying the law during the case.

His appeal seeks to overturn both the conviction and the sentence imposed against him.

For now, the High Court ruling allows him to remain free while awaiting the outcome of that appeal.

Legal experts say the final determination of the case will depend on how the appellate court reviews the evidence and legal arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution.

The case remains one of the most prominent corruption trials involving a former county governor in Kenya and continues to attract significant public interest as the legal process unfolds.