Ferdinand Waititu Named Party Leader
This was announced via a Gazette notice whereby the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, communicated changes to the party, including its head offices and top leadership.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
It is now emerging that Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was named as the party leader of the Farmers Party, despite being impeached and subsequently banned from holding public office.
This was announced via a Gazette notice whereby the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, communicated changes to the party, including its head offices and top leadership.
One of the major changes within the party was the leadership transition from Irungu Nyakera to Ferdinand Waititu. Additionally, the deputy leadership saw a shift, with John Wambugu replacing Brian Kigochi in the policy and strategy department.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Ikui retained his position as Deputy Party Leader for Resource Mobilisation, while Thomas Omboga remained the national chairperson.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu. /BUSINESS TODAY
In the notice dated February 5, 2025, the Registrar of Political Parties called on anyone with concerns or objections regarding the leadership changes to submit a written complaint within seven days of the Gazette's publication.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended changes by the political party shall within seven (7) days from the date of this publication make their written submissions to the Registrar of Political Parties,” indicated the notice.
The Farmers' Party was established by David Nduati, who passed away in 2022 after a brief illness. Following his passing, former gubernatorial candidate Nyakera took over as his successor in February 2023.
In his acceptance speech, Nyakera expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza government, which was then deputized by Rigathi Gachagua.
The recent leadership changes within the party have sparked debate over whether Waititu should be allowed to hold a political party leadership position, given the circumstances under which he left office.
In 2019, the former Kiambu County governor was impeached after 63 Members of the County Assembly voted for his removal. The motion, introduced by Ndenderu MCA Solomon Kinuthia, accused Waititu of corruption, gross misconduct, and abuse of office.
Legally, political parties are not classified as state offices, meaning Waititu's position as party leader remains valid. However, his eligibility to vie for elective positions remains restricted.
Meanwhile, the developments are expected to come as a surprise given that Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The sentencing came a day after he was found guilty in a Ksh588 million corruption case that had dragged on for years.
After Wednesday’s ruling, Waititu and the other convicted individuals pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, claiming they had endured significant hardship since their arraignment and deserved a second chance.
