The High Court has upheld the conviction of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari Ndungu and their co-accused in a Sh588 million corruption case, overturning an earlier acquittal on money laundering charges. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Lady Justice Rose Ougo upheld the convictions on the other charges while reversing the lower court’s decision to acquit the accused of money laundering. The decision marks a significant development in the corruption case arising from alleged irregularities during Waititu’s tenure as Kiambu Governor.
Waititu, Wife and Co-Accused Face Multiple Charges
Waititu was charged alongside his wife, Susan Wangari Ndungu, former Kiambu County Chief Officer for Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities Luka Mwangi Wahinya, and Charles Chege Mbuthia, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited. The case involved charges relating to conflict of interest, handling suspected proceeds of crime, abuse of office, fraudulent procurement practices and the fraudulent acquisition of public property. The allegations stemmed from transactions linked to county government operations during Waititu’s time in office.
The accused challenged their convictions before the High Court, seeking to overturn the findings of the lower court. However, Justice Ougo upheld the convictions on the other counts and overturned the acquittal on the money laundering charges.
Court Revokes Bail for Waititu and Co-Accused
Following the ruling, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced that the court had revoked the bonds previously granted to the accused. Under the orders, Susan Wangari Ndungu was to be detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, while Waititu and the male co-accused were to be held at Nairobi Remand Prison.
The detention orders will remain in place as the accused await mitigation and sentencing. The development represents a change in Waititu’s bail status after he was granted a reprieve in February 2026, when the High Court reviewed his bail terms and reduced them to Sh20 million pending appeal.
Accused Given 14 Days to Appeal
The High Court granted the appellants 14 days to challenge the latest decision through a further appeal. Meanwhile, the matter is scheduled to proceed to sentencing at the Anti-Corruption Magistrate’s Court on October 19. The sentencing proceedings are expected to determine the penalties to be imposed following the court’s decision on the convictions. The case has attracted public attention because of the substantial amount of money involved and the allegations concerning the management of public resources in Kiambu County.
A Major Development in Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Fight
The ruling adds another chapter to the legal proceedings involving the former county chief and his co-accused. Cases involving alleged misuse of public funds remain a significant part of Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability in public institutions and ensure that public resources are managed in accordance with the law.
With the High Court having upheld the convictions on the other charges and overturned the acquittal on money laundering, the accused now face the next stages of the legal process, including sentencing and the opportunity to pursue a further appeal.
