High Court Denies Waititu Bail as Appeal Process Begins

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu will remain in prison after the High Court denied his request for bail pending appeal.

Justice Lucy Njuguna ruled that Waititu had not provided sufficient grounds to justify his release, emphasizing that bail is not an automatic right but must be granted based on merit.

Waititu, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on February 12, 2025, for corruption-related charges, had asked the court to free him as he awaits the outcome of his appeal.

His legal team argued that his health, including severe high blood pressure, required specialized care unavailable in prison.

However, the judge dismissed this claim, stating that prison medical facilities were capable of handling his condition.

The court has scheduled the hearing of Waititu’s appeal within two months, directing both the defense and the prosecution to submit their written arguments.

The prosecution opposed his bail request, arguing that the appeal had little chance of success and that Waititu’s conviction was based on strong evidence.

During the bail hearing at Milimani Law Courts, prominent political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K's Eugene Wamalwa, were present to show support for Waititu.

Waititu was convicted for his role in the fraudulent awarding of a KSh 588 million road tender during his tenure as Kiambu governor.

The case involved kickbacks amounting to KSh 25.6 million. His legal team now hopes to overturn the conviction in the upcoming appeal hearing.

With the court prioritizing the appeal, Waititu will remain in custody as the legal process unfolds. His case continues to draw public and political interest, given its implications on corruption cases involving high-profile individuals.