Waititu Skips Ksh588 Million Graft Case After Admission To Hospital

Waititu did not appear in court on Monday, June 5 for the hearing of a Ksh588 million corruption case against him.

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Jun 5, 2023 - 10:52
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Waititu Skips Ksh588 Million Graft Case After Admission To Hospital
Former Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was on Sunday, June 4 rushed to the Aga Khan University Hospital after he collapsed at his home, according to his lawyer John Swaka.

Waititu did not appear in court on Monday, June 5 for the hearing of a Ksh588 million corruption case against him.

Swaka told Magistrate Thomas Nzioki that his client, Waititu, was admitted to the Parklands-based hospital hence he could not avail himself of the hearing of the case.

“We are not ready to proceed. I received bad news informing me that my client collapsed yesterday (Sunday) and was rushed to Aga Khan where he is admitted,” Swaka told the court while asking for adjournment.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu. /STANDARD DIGITAL

The court also heard that the politician was taken to the medical facility by his wife Susan Wangari, who is also a defendant in the case that involves the alleged irregular award of a Ksh588,198,328 road construction tender to Testimony Enterprise Ltd.

Magistrate Nzioki allowed Swaka's request and fixed the case for mentioning on Tuesday, June 6, directing the lawyer to present medical records.

"I have not been furnished with any medical documents. I direct that the matter be mentioned tomorrow.

"All accused persons to appear in court. Medical reports to be availed on the issue of hospitalisation," directed the magistrate, who also ordered Wangari to appear in court.

The graft case was coming up for a hearing of the prosecution's evidence by a documents examiner. The prosecution witness was to testify on examination of Kiambu County government tender evaluation reports and payment vouchers signed by an official of the county government.

He was also to testify on contract documents signed by the ex-county boss and an agreement of sale between a company associated with Waititu- Saika Two Estate Developers Ltd - and Superior Phone Ltd, and report on examination of the signatures.

Waititu, who was impeached as Kiambu County boss in January 2020, was charged with the irregular award of a tender of Ksh588 million. The court had frozen his property and his vehicles pending the determination of a case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The case was adjourned on September 20, 2022, upon request by the defence team. The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court was expected to reconvene on Friday, October 14 for the continued hearing of the case when the prosecution was expected to present two more witnesses.

Waititu is accused by the EACC of abusing his position by engaging in business dealings that were against the public interest and accumulating wealth that was out of proportion to his known legitimate sources of income.

“The prosecution led by Faith Mwila and Linda Mwamburi was ready with two witnesses. The prosecution has produced 27 witnesses in the case,” the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) stated following the adjournment at the time.

Prior to the commencement of the case against Waititu, the High Court granted an application by the State to freeze 18 properties and seven cars owned by Waititu. He is accused of fraudulently accumulating assets totalling Ksh1.94 billion between 2015 and 2020 while serving as governor.

EACC in May 2022 targeted properties that included houses in Runda, Lakisama, Migaa Estate, Runda Grove and parcels of land in Embakasi Ranching, Thindigua and Kayole, all amounting to Ksh280 million. Also targeted by the commission were seven vehicles all valued at Ksh24.4 million and money in bank accounts.

The anti-graft body also disclosed that some of the properties in Kabete in Kiambu and Kitengela in Kajiado were registered in his wife’s name, while others were registered in the name of his companies including Saika Two Estate Developers Ltd, Lexis International Ltd and Bins Management Services Ltd.

Some of the properties included two prime buildings on Biashara Street and a hotel on the same street, all valued at Ksh662 million.

Ferdinand Waititu and his wife during a past event. /STANDARD DIGITAL

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