Ferdinand Waititu: Reactions as Former Kiambu Governor Is Freed on KSh 53m Bond in Graft Case
- Ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu spent almost six months in custody before he was granted bond in his graft case
- Waititu had been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he was found guilty of conflict of interest
- This comes after Justice Njuguna had previously declined two attempts by Waititu's legal team to secure bond
Don't miss out! Join Tuko.co.ke Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu can now heave a sigh of relief after he was released from police custody.
Source: Facebook
Waititu had spent nearly six months behind bars after being convicted on the KSh 588 million graft case on February 13.
Was Ferdinand Waititu released on bond?
In a ruling made on Thursday, July 13, High Court Judge Lucy Njuguna ordered the release of the former county boss on a 53 million bond as he awaits the hearing of his appeal case.
Justice Njuguna had initially declined two attempts by Waititu's legal team to secure a bond.
Previously, the politician had filed an appeal with the High Court, challenging his conviction, to no avail.
This is because the court dismissed his initial request for bail. In the latest appeal, Waititu amended his petition and introduced additional grounds and evidence to enable him to secure his freedom.
How did Kenyans react to Waititu being set free?
The news about Waititu's release has sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans online.
Ngugi_Dann:
"The luckiest people on earth."
Calvin:
"Moses Kuria "resigns" from the Presidential Economic Council.Baba Yao is freed from Prison. Something is Cooking!"
William Kiman:
"It won't be a week before he denounces Wamunyoro and starts yelling "Tutam!"
Mau Mau:
"From a jail term of 12 years to 5 months Ferdinand Waititu is now a free man. Kenya is a circus state. People should understand why people want a Maraga and Omtatah presidency."
Samuel Wekesa:
"Ferdinand Waititu serves a living God. He is finally out of jail after months of confinement. His friends had abandoned him."
John John:
"Next you will hear tutam."
Was Waititu sentenced to 12 years in prison?
Earlier, Waititu had been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he was found guilty in the KSh 588 million graft case.
The politician and his wife had appeared before Chief Magistrate Thoman Nzioki at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Source: UGC
They were sentenced according to their charges, which included fraudulent procurement, abuse of office, among other charges pressed against them.
On the charge of conflict of interest, Waititu was handed seven years in prison with an alternative of KSh 51 million fine.
He was sentenced to five years in prison on another separate charge, accumulating the total number of years that were supposed to be spent in custody to 12 years or an alternative of a fine of KSh 53.5million.
On the other hand, Waititu's wife, Susan Wangari, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine that was equivalent to KSh 500,000.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
