This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 30, 2019, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was granted a Sh15 million cash bail or a Sh30 million bond in a case related to the issuance of an illegal tender worth Sh588 million.
Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi, of the Milimani Chief Magistrate's Court, also barred Governor Waititu from accessing his office until the trial is complete.
According to the magistrate, this decision was necessary to prevent interference with witnesses in the case and to safeguard the public interest.
Magistrate Mugambi cited a recent High Court ruling by Justice Mumbi Ngugi, which stated that governors charged with graft should be barred from office until their cases are heard and determined.
Waititu's wife, Susan Wangari Ndung'u, and four other county officials were released on a Sh4 million cash bail each and a Sh10 million bond each, with a surety of a similar amount.
Members of the Kiambu tender committee, charged in the case, were released on a Sh1 million cash bail each and were barred from their offices. They were also ordered to deposit their passports in court.
Waititu and his co-accused were warned against interfering with witnesses or any evidence in the case.
The matter will be mentioned on August 26, 2019.
