The EACC also traced bank deposits totalling more than Ksh 800 million during this period. Among the high-value properties listed are the Jamii Bora Building on Koinange Street (valued at Ksh 200 million), Delta Hotel on University Way (Ksh 380 million), and Biashara Shopping Mall (Ksh 110 million)
The troubles of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu continue to mount as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) moves to seize assets worth over Ksh 1.9 billion, which he is unable to account for. The EACC is also awaiting approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to bring fresh charges against Waititu over fraudulent tenders amounting to Ksh 50 million.
Waititu now risks losing properties valued at Ksh 1.9 billion, suspected to be proceeds of corruption. The anti-graft agency has already filed an application to freeze these assets to prevent their disposal before the seizure. Among the properties in question are three multi-storey buildings located in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District. The EACC alleges that Waititu amassed his wealth through kickbacks from lucrative tenders while serving as Kabete MP and later as Kiambu Governor between 2015 and 2020.
In an attempt to conceal his fortune, the former governor is said to have acquired five luxury vehicles and 15 high-value properties, including a maisonette in Runda Grove worth Ksh 96 million and several other properties in Nairobi, Lucky Summer, and Migaa.
The EACC further traced bank deposits totalling more than Ksh 800 million during this period. Among the high-value properties listed are the Jamii Bora building on Koinange Street (Ksh 200 million), Delta Hotel on University Way (Ksh 380 million), and Biashara Shopping Mall (Ksh 110 million).
The anti-graft agency alleges that Waititu orchestrated the theft through a network that included his wife, Susan Wangari. His vehicles alone, including two Land Cruisers, are estimated to be worth over Ksh 13 million.
According to the EACC, Waititu abused his office by engaging in fraudulent procurement and irregular tendering processes. The commission is now seeking to recover Ksh 928.8 million from him and Ksh 282.9 million from his wife. Several companies associated with the former governor, including Saika Two Estate Developers, Bienvenue Delta Hotel, and Bins Management Services Ltd, are also under scrutiny for receiving illicit funds.
The anti-corruption commission further claims that Waititu used a forged introductory letter from China Wu Yi to fraudulently secure a roads contract worth Ksh 588 million in Kiambu County. A witness from China Wu Yi has since testified that the company’s letterhead was forged.
Last Thursday, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court sentenced Waititu to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 53 million for corruption-related offences linked to the Ksh 588 million roads tender. His wife, Susan Wangari, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Ksh 500,000 for dealing with suspect property.
Other individuals convicted in the case include former Chief Officer for Roads Luka Wahinya, who was sentenced to seven years in prison or a fine of Ksh 21 million. Charles Chege, the director of Testimony Enterprises Ltd, received an 11-year sentence or a fine of Ksh 297 million, while his wife and co-director, Beth Wangeci, was handed a three-year sentence or a fine of Ksh 1.4 million.
In accordance with the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, all convicted individuals have been barred from holding public office for 10 years.
Waititu becomes the second former governor to be convicted of corruption after former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal. The EACC has taken nine former governors to court, with seven of them facing active cases, including Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Mike Sonko (Nairobi), Okoth Obado (Migori), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), and Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a).
The commission’s investigations established that Waititu’s wealth, frozen by the courts since 2022, was accumulated through irregular tenders, with kickbacks channelled through companies registered under his wife’s and daughter’s names.
In a separate case involving Ksh 50 million, the EACC has forwarded evidence to the DPP, who has recommended additional charges against Waititu.
The former governor’s downfall marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against corruption, as authorities continue to tighten the noose on graft within county governments.
