Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) with high blood pressure complications, just a day after being sentenced to 12 years in prison or a Ksh 52.5 million fine in a Ksh 588 million corruption case.
Waititu, popularly known as ‘Baba Yao,’ was convicted by the Milimani Law Courts on graft-related charges linked to irregular tender awards during his tenure as governor. The court also barred him from seeking any political office for seven years, dealing a significant blow to his political career.
The former governor was charged alongside his wife, Susan Ndung’u, who received a one-year prison sentence or a Ksh 500,000 fine. The court found the couple guilty of embezzling public funds but acquitted them on three counts of money laundering.
The case also implicated Testimony Enterprises Limited, a company linked to the scandal. Its director, Charles Chege, was fined Ksh 295 million or sentenced to nine years in prison, while the second director, Beth Wangeci, was fined Ksh 1 million or sentenced to one year in prison.
Waititu’s hospitalization has sparked speculation about his health condition, with some observers linking it to the court ruling. His lawyer indicated that they plan to appeal the verdict, maintaining his client’s innocence.
The conviction marks a significant step in Kenya’s anti-corruption fight, as the judiciary cracks down on high-profile graft cases.
His supporters gathered outside KNH expressing solidarity and insisting that the former governor is a victim of political persecution.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocates hailed the ruling as a victory for accountability and justice.
