Waititu Freed on Sh15 Million Cash Bail, Barred from Accessing His Office

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was on Tuesday freed on a cash bail of Sh15 million or a bond of Sh30 million in the case involving the issuance of an illegal tender worth Sh588 million.

In his ruling, Milimani Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi further barred Governor Waititu from accessing his office for the duration of the trial.

“It is necessary to guard the risk of interfering with the witnesses in the case by imposing conditions…restricting him is necessary and to ensure the public interest is safeguarded,” Magistrate Mugambi said.

Magistrate Mugambi cited last week’s decision by High Court Justice Mumbi Ngugi, who ruled that Governors charged with graft should be barred from office until their cases are heard and determined.
 
“I agree with Justice Mumbi Ngugi decision. It is a decision that dealt deeper with section 66 it’s persuasive and authoritative…Barring him from going to an office does not amount to his removal from office as a governor but uphold the integrity of the case,” he noted.

Magistrate Mugambi also directed Governor Waititu to deposit his passport to minimize travel during the trial without the leave of the court.

Waititu’s wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u and four other county officials were released on a cash bail of Sh4 million each and a bond of Sh10million each with a surety of a similar amount.

Kiambu tender committee members charged in the case were released on Sh1 million cash bail each and were barred from their offices. They were also ordered to deposit their passports in court.

Waititu and his co-accused were also warned against interfering with witnesses or any evidence in the case.

The matter will be mentioned on August 26th, 2019.