This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, the High Court dealt a significant blow to Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in a corruption case worth Sh51.2 million.
Justice Ngenye Macharia upheld a ruling that barred Waititu from office, citing the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, which requires State officers and public servants charged in court to stay out of office and earn half their salaries until the cases are concluded.
Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari, and eight county officials are facing corruption charges over the irregular award of tenders worth Sh588 million.
Justice Macharia described Waititu as "morally ill" and stated that he must stay away from office until the case is determined.
Deputy Governor James Nyoro and county executive committee members will take charge of the county in the absence of Waititu.
Justice Macharia directed Waititu to collect his personal belongings from his office in the company of the investigating officer and an officer from the office of the chief executive of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Waititu is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
State prosecutors Alexander Muteti, Victor Owiti, and Faith Mwilah had asked the court not to change the release terms, which were in line with the law.
However, Justice Macharia reduced the cash bail for contractor Charles Chege from Sh15 million to Sh4 million and for county minister Luka Mwangi Waihinya alias Lucas from Sh15 million to Sh2 million.
