Waititu loses appeal as High Court orders him back to prison in KES 588.7 million graft case

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has lost his appeal against his conviction and 12-year prison sentence in the KES 588.7 million graft case, with the High Court cancelling his bail and ordering him returned to prison.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday October 14, 2026, the court upheld the lower court's conviction and sentence against Waititu and his co-convicts over offences linked to the irregular award of a road tender during his tenure as Kiambu governor.

The court also overturned the lower court's decision to acquit Waititu and his co-accused of money laundering, directing them to appear before the trial court on Monday for mitigation and sentencing on that charge.

The decision exposes Waititu and his co-accused to further penalties in a case that has been in court since 2019.

Waititu was sentenced in February 2025 to 12 years in prison or a fine of KES 52,749,000 for 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 KES 500,000 for dealing with suspect property.

Former Kiambu Chief Officer for Roads Luka Mwangi Wahinya was handed a seven-year prison term or a KES 21 million fine for abuse of office.

Charles Chege, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, the company linked to the irregularly awarded tender, was sentenced to 11 years in prison or a fine of KES 297,048,110.

His spouse and co-director, Beth Wangeci, received a three-year prison term or a fine of KES 1.4 million for fraudulent practices and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

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

The prosecution arose from allegations of irregular procurement and financial dealings involving public funds during Waititu's tenure as governor.

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

The latest ruling means Waititu's attempt to overturn his conviction and prison sentence has failed, while the reinstated money-laundering charge now returns to the trial court for mitigation and sentencing.