Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered another legal setback after the High Court upheld his 12-year prison sentence in a KSh588 million corruption case linked to a road construction tender in Kiambu County.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Justice Rose Ougo dismissed appeals by Waititu and his co-accused, maintaining their convictions and sentences over the irregular award of the multimillion-shilling road contract.
The court also overturned the earlier acquittal of Waititu and his wife, Susan Wangari, on three money laundering charges, adding to their legal troubles in the long-running graft case.
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High Court Upholds Waititu’s 12-Year Jail Sentence
Waititu had challenged his conviction and 12-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment was harsh and excessive.
He also questioned the prosecution’s evidence, claiming that the trial court had failed to consider contradictions in the case and evidence that could have supported his defence.
He also questioned the prosecution’s evidence, claiming that the trial court had failed to consider contradictions in the case and evidence that could have supported his defence.
However, Justice Ougo dismissed the appeal, upholding the conviction and sentence imposed by the trial court.
The case centres on the award of a road construction tender worth approximately KSh588.7 million during Waititu’s tenure as Kiambu governor.
The High Court also cancelled the revised bail terms that had allowed him to remain out of prison while pursuing his appeal, ordering him back into custody.
Court Convicts Waititu and Wife of Money Laundering
In a separate but related development, the court allowed a State cross-appeal challenging the acquittal of Waititu and his wife on three money laundering counts.
The judge set aside the earlier acquittals and found both guilty of the charges, reversing the trial court’s previous decision.
The new convictions relate to the same KSh588 million graft case involving the road construction tender.
The court referred the matter back to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering charges.
Any additional sentences imposed are to run concurrently with those already handed down in the corruption case.
Waititu Faces 10-Year Ban From Public Office
The High Court also upheld the order barring Waititu and the other convicted individuals from holding public office, whether through election or appointment, for 10 years.
The restriction adds another consequence to the former governor’s legal troubles, limiting his ability to seek elected or appointed public positions during the ban.
The ruling marks a significant development in the corruption case, with the court maintaining the existing convictions and sentences while overturning the earlier acquittals on money laundering charges.
The newly convicted individuals are expected to return to the lower court for mitigation and sentencing on the additional counts, with the outcome determining the penalties attached to those offences.
