This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
On December 6, 2019, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji issued a stern warning to embattled Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu against returning to office.
Waititu has been barred from office since August this year due to corruption charges. He was released on bail on July 30, with one of the conditions being that he cannot access his office until the case is heard and determined.
Waititu's bail also required him to pay a Ksh 15 million cash bail. Despite this, he has vowed to open a new office in Kiambu and even called for a Cabinet meeting.
However, the Senate had ruled that Waititu and his Samburu counterpart, Moses Lenolkulal, can continue carrying out their duties as governors, but cannot access their offices.
Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindike stated, 'There is no law providing that a governor can only perform the functions or exercise the powers of the office only when in the county government offices.'
But DPP Haji has warned Waititu that resuming office will have serious consequences.
'I am aware of the Senate's decision to defy court orders to direct Governor Waititu to open a parallel office while aware of the High Court's decision barring him from office. This office shall be vigilant and such atrocious acts will not go unpunished,' Haji said.
'I am warning Governor Waititu and the Governor of Samburu not to breach the terms of their bail terms. We shall arrest them if they do,' the DPP added.
