In a significant win for Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud and conflict of interest. The ruling, delivered on Thursday by a Nairobi court, marks one of the highest-profile convictions in the country’s fight against graft.
Waititu, who served as governor of Kiambu County before his impeachment in 2020, was found guilty of irregularly awarding road construction contracts worth 588 million Kenyan shillings ($4.5 million).
The case, which had been under investigation for years, highlighted deep-rooted corruption in public office, often resulting in delayed or derailed prosecutions.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, who presided over the case, handed Waititu a choice: pay a hefty fine of 53 million Kenyan shillings ($400,000) or serve a 12-year prison term.
His wife, who was also implicated in the scandal, received a one-year prison sentence with the option of a 500,000 Kenyan shillings ($3,869) fine. Additionally, three other co-accused individuals were convicted in connection with the fraudulent dealings.
Beyond the prison sentences, the court imposed a 10-year ban on Waititu and his co-defendants, barring them from holding any public office. This move aims to prevent individuals implicated in corruption from returning to positions of power and influence.
Waititu’s conviction makes him the second former governor in Kenya to be jailed for corruption-related offenses. While corruption cases involving high-ranking officials often drag on for years without significant consequences, this ruling sends a strong message about accountability and the government’s commitment to fighting graft.
Waititu’s downfall is a cautionary tale for public officials who misuse their positions for personal gain. His tenure as governor was marred by allegations of mismanagement, and his eventual impeachment paved the way for investigations into his financial dealings.
Kenya has long struggled with corruption in government, with many high-profile cases often ending in acquittals or prolonged court battles. This ruling, however, is a step in the right direction, signaling that even the most influential figures can be held accountable.