Waititu Apologizes in Court, Pleads For Leniency In Ksh588M Graft Case

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his co-accused have pleaded for non-custodial or lenient sentences in the Ksh588 million corruption case, citing their individual roles, family obligations, and time already served in custody.

Appearing during mitigation proceedings following the High Court’s October 15 decision by Justice Rose Ougo—which upheld their convictions and overturned their prior acquittal on money laundering charges—Waititu apologized for his actions and urged the court to treat him and his wife, Susan Wangari, as first-time offenders.

“I apologise for whatever wrong I did. I am a first offender together with my wife, so when sentencing, please consider that,” Waititu told the court. He clarified that his company, Saika Enterprises, was operational before he became governor, while requesting leniency for his wife on grounds that her involvement in Delta Hotel was minimal.

Defense attorneys asked the court to evaluate each convict’s specific level of participation rather than applying uniform penalties. Lawyers representing Wangari argued she was neither an account signatory nor a primary beneficiary of the funds, acting largely as a silent business partner.

The defense also highlighted the human toll of dual parental incarceration, pointing out that prolonged prison terms for both spouses would leave minor children without care or financial support. Furthermore, they urged the court to factor in time already served, noting Waititu has spent over a year in prison while another co-accused has been held for nearly two years.

Co-accused Charles Chege, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, similarly pleaded for his wife’s leniency, emphasizing her single-share stake and non-signatory status.

The court is expected to weigh these mitigation submissions—including expressions of remorse, personal hardship, and corporate roles—before handing down the final sentences.