This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On Sunday, during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu's VIP treatment was cut short. He was asked to vacate a seat at the podium, a move that came just four days after he faced a similar treatment in Suswa.
According to sources, the organisers were under strict instructions not to allow leaders battling cases in court or under active investigations to the VIP podium. The order was given to the organising team by State House, with the President keen on avoiding leaders facing court cases or under active investigations.
Waititu's woes stem from corruption-related charges he is facing in court. In July, the governor, along with his wife and several others, was charged with irregular award of Sh588 million contracts for roads repair. They have all denied the charges.
During the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Waititu arrived before other governors and took a seat reserved for Mombasa Woman Representative Asha Hussein. However, he was later asked to leave the podium, and he proceeded to have a quick chat with several security officials before strolling out of the venue.
Similar treatment was meted out to Waititu in Suswa, where President Uhuru Kenyatta launched phase two of the Standard Gauge Railway train services. The governor was kept in check by the presidential security team, denying him access or a photo opportunity with the President.
President Kenyatta has been on record saying he will not tolerate or help out leaders facing corruption charges, noting that they should carry their own cross 'as no one will be there to help those who will be found culpable.'
