Waititu’s 12-Year Jail Term Upheld as High Court Convicts Him and Wife of Money Laundering

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered another legal setback after the High Court upheld his 12-year prison sentence in a KSh588.7 million corruption case involving a road construction tender in Kiambu County.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Justice Rose Ougo dismissed appeals filed by Waititu and his co-accused, maintaining their convictions and sentences over the irregular award of the multimillion-shilling contract.

The court also overturned the earlier acquittal of Waititu and his wife, Susan Wangari, on three money laundering charges, exposing the couple to additional sentencing in the long-running corruption case.

High Court upholds Waititu’s 12-year sentence

Waititu had challenged his conviction and 12-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment was harsh and excessive.

He also contested the prosecution’s evidence, claiming that the trial court had failed to consider contradictions in the case and evidence that could have supported his defence.

However, Justice Ougo dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence imposed by the trial court.

The case centres on a road construction tender valued at approximately KSh588.7 million that was awarded during Waititu’s tenure as Kiambu governor.

The High Court also cancelled the revised bail terms that had allowed the former governor to remain out of prison while pursuing his appeal, ordering him back into custody.

Waititu and wife convicted of money laundering

In a separate but related decision, the court allowed a State cross-appeal challenging the acquittal of Waititu and Wangari on three money laundering counts.

Justice Ougo set aside the earlier acquittals and found both guilty of the charges, reversing the trial court’s decision.

The charges relate to the same corruption case involving the KSh588.7 million road construction tender.

The matter has been referred back to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for mitigation and sentencing on the money laundering offences.

Any additional prison terms imposed on the couple are expected to run concurrently with the sentences already handed down in the corruption case.

Waititu barred from public office for 10 years

The High Court also upheld an order barring Waititu and the other convicted individuals from holding public office, whether through election or appointment, for 10 years.

The restriction further limits the former governor’s ability to return to elected or appointed public positions during the period of the ban.

The latest ruling marks a significant development in the case, with the court upholding the existing corruption convictions and sentences while overturning the earlier acquittals on the money laundering charges.