EACC Moves To Seize Waititu’s Assets Valued Over Sh1.6 Billion

The legal woes of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu have deepened as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) seeks to seize assets worth Ksh 1.9 billion, which the ex-governor is unable to account for.

The anti-graft body is also awaiting approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to bring fresh charges against Waititu over fraudulent tenders amounting to Ksh 50 million.

Waititu, who served as Kiambu Governor between 2017 and 2020, risks losing a vast portfolio of properties, including three multi-storey buildings in Nairobi’s Central Business District, a luxurious maisonette in Runda Grove valued at Ksh 96 million, and several other high-value properties in Lucky Summer and Migaa.

The EACC alleges that these assets were acquired through corrupt dealings during his tenure as Kabete MP and later as Kiambu Governor.

According to the EACC, Waititu amassed his wealth through kickbacks from lucrative tenders, with bank deposits totaling over Ksh 800 million traced to him during this period.

The commission has filed an application to freeze the assets to prevent their disposal before seizure. Among the properties listed are the Jamii Bora building on Koinange Street (Ksh 200 million), Delta Hotel on University Way (Ksh 380 million), and Biashara Shopping Mall (Ksh 110 million).

The anti-graft agency further claims that Waititu orchestrated his illicit wealth through a network that included his wife, Susan Wangari, and several companies linked to the family.

The EACC is seeking to recover Ksh 928.8 million from Waititu and Ksh 282.9 million from his wife.

Companies under scrutiny include Saika Two Estate Developers, Bienvenue Delta Hotel, and Bins Management Services Ltd, which are alleged to have received illicit funds.

In one of the most damning allegations, the EACC accuses Waititu of using a forged introductory letter from China Wu Yi to fraudulently secure a roads contract worth Ksh 588 million in Kiambu County. A witness from China Wu Yi has since testified that the company’s letterhead was forged.

Last Thursday, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court sentenced Waititu to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 53 million for corruption-related offenses linked to the Ksh 588 million roads tender.

His wife, Susan Wangari, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Ksh 500,000 for dealing with suspect property.

Other individuals convicted in the case include former Chief Officer for Roads Luka Wahinya, who was sentenced to seven years in prison or a fine of Ksh 21 million, and Charles Chege, the director of Testimony Enterprises Ltd, who received an 11-year sentence or a fine of Ksh 297 million.

In accordance with the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, all convicted individuals have been barred from holding public office for 10 years.

Waititu becomes the second former governor to be convicted of corruption after former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.

The EACC has taken nine former governors to court, with seven of them facing active cases, including Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Mike Sonko (Nairobi), Okoth Obado (Migori), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), and Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a).

The commission’s investigations revealed that Waititu’s wealth, frozen by the courts since 2022, was accumulated through irregular tenders, with kickbacks channeled through companies registered under his wife’s and daughter’s names.

In a separate case involving Ksh 50 million, the EACC has forwarded evidence to the DPP, who has recommended additional charges against Waititu.

The former governor’s downfall marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against corruption, as authorities continue to tighten the noose on graft within county governments.

The EACC’s relentless pursuit of Waititu and other high-profile figures signals a renewed commitment to accountability and transparency in public office.

As the legal battles unfold, Kenyans are watching closely, hopeful that the crackdown on corruption will restore public trust in governance and pave the way for a more equitable future.