This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Published on July 30, 2019, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife Susan Wangari Ndung'u were arraigned in court on Monday, facing charges related to the alleged embezzlement of millions of shillings from Kiambu county government coffers.
Waititu, alongside his wife and eight other suspects, appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi. The charges against them include conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, and abuse of office.
According to the charge sheet, Waititu allegedly received Sh25 million from Testimony Enterprises Limited, a company awarded a Sh588 million tender by Kiambu County government for road upgrades. The funds were allegedly received while Waititu was the Director of Saika Two Estate Developers Ltd.
Between July 2nd, 2018, and March 13th, 2019, Waititu received Sh18 million from Testimony Enterprises Limited, which he allegedly acquired through corrupt conduct.
Waititu and his wife also faced a joint charge of dealing with suspect property, accused of receiving Sh7 million from Testimony Enterprises Limited through corrupt conduct.
The couple was charged alongside Kiambu County Chief Officer for Roads Lukas Wahinya and five members of the Kiambu County Tender Evaluation Committee. Wahinya was charged with abuse of office, while the committee members faced charges of willful failure to comply with procurement laws.
Others charged include Charles Chege Mbuthia and Beth Wangeci Mburu, directors of Testimony Enterprises Ltd, who were charged with money laundering and engaging in a fraudulent practice.
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
