By Dorothy Musyoka
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu have been sentenced to five years in jail or pay a Ksh. 2.5 million fine after being convicted of irregularly awarding tenders worth millions during his tenure in 2018.
In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a mandatory fine of Ksh. 51 million, failing which he will serve an additional seven years in prison.
“Ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu has been sentenced to serve 5 years in jail or pay a fine of Ksh. 2.5 million. Additionally, the court posed a mandatory fine of Ksh. 51 million in default to serve another 7 years in prison after he was convicted for irregularly awarding tenders in Kiambu County in February 2018 during his tenure as the County boss,” stated the ODPP.
The ruling follows a successful prosecution led by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, proving Waititu’s involvement in conflict of interest, abuse of office, fraudulent procurement practices, and illegal acquisition of public funds.
His wife Susan Wangari Ndungu has been sentenced to serve 1 year or pay a fine of Ksh. 500,000 while their co-accused Luka Mwangi Wahinya (former Chief Officer, Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities) to serve 2 years in prison or pay a fine of 1 million shillings and a mandatory fine of Ksh.20 million in default to serve 5 years in prison.
Additionally, the directors of Testimony Enterprises Limited Charles Chege Mbuthia and Beth Wangeci Mburu were jailed for 4 years or pay a fine of Ksh.2 million shillings with a mandatory fine of Ksh.294 million and 3 years in jail or pay a fine of Ksh.1.4 million shillings respectively.
Read more:http://Ex-Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Convicted in Ksh. 588 Million Irregular Tender Case
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki ruled that Waititu and his co-accused are barred from holding public office for the next 10 years.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, alongside Principal Prosecution Counsels Linda Mwamburi and Faith Mwila, and Prosecution Counsel Delroy Mwasaru, who presented 32 witnesses to secure the convictions.