A Nairobi court has handed down significant sentences to former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife Susan Wangari, after they were found guilty of defrauding Kiambu County of KSh 588 million. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, presiding over the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, sentenced Waititu to 12 years in prison and Wangari to one year. The couple was found guilty alongside their co-accused in the scandal.
However, the court also granted them the option of paying fines in lieu of serving their prison terms. Waititu was ordered to pay KSh 53.5 million, while Wangari was fined KSh 500,000. The couple now has 14 days to file an appeal against the judgment.
This ruling is significant as it reflects Kenya’s continued efforts to fight corruption, especially at high levels of government. The sentence highlights the severity of the crime, with the couple found guilty of embezzling substantial funds meant for the development of Kiambu County. The ability to opt for fines rather than prison time provides the couple with a potential escape from serving their full sentences, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Despite the harsh penalties, the case’s long-term impact remains uncertain. The decision could either serve as a strong deterrent against corruption or be perceived as insufficient, depending on whether the fines are paid and whether an appeal changes the outcome. Additionally, it will be interesting to observe whether this case has a broader influence on future corruption cases in Kenya or remains a high-profile but isolated instance of legal action.
The couple’s option to appeal within 14 days suggests that the legal process surrounding this case is far from over, and the outcome could yet evolve further.
