Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his co-accused have asked the court for leniency ahead of sentencing in a Ksh588 million graft case. During mitigation proceedings before Magistrate Harrison Barasa on Tuesday, October 27, Waititu apologized for any wrongdoing and asked the court to reduce his sentence. He cited his status as a first-time offender, along with his wife, as a key consideration for the court.
Waititu's defense team argued that his role as a director at Saika Enterprises should be considered, as the company was already operating before he became governor. His wife, Susan Wangare, was also said to have a limited role at Delta Hotel, with other directors involved in its operations. The defense urged the court to assess each person's role individually, rather than making blanket judgments.
The defense also requested that the court consider the family responsibilities of the accused, particularly the wives. They described Beth as a young mother and sole breadwinner for her children, whose husband is currently serving a prison sentence. Sentencing both spouses alike would place an unfair burden on their minor children, the defense argued.
Lawyers for the accused asked the court to account for the time they had already spent in custody. Waititu had been in prison for over a year, while the fourth accused had spent nearly two years behind bars. This was cited as a factor in determining their sentences.
The defense for Charles Chege, a director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, cited his wife's limited role in the company, owning only one share when it was registered. A bank letter presented in court stated that his wife was not a signatory to the company's account. Chege expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness, stating that he and his wife had not intended to hurt anyone.
The mitigation hearing will inform the court's decision on the appropriate sentences for Waititu and his co-accused. The defense has urged the court to consider each accused person's role, personal circumstances, and time already served. Magistrate Barasa directed the defense to file its response to the prosecution's submissions by October 28, 2026.
Magistrate Barasa reserved his ruling on sentencing, which will be delivered on November 2, 2026, at 11:30 am. The fifth accused was remanded at Lang'ata Women's Prison pending the sentencing ruling. The court's decision will bring closure to the Ksh588 million graft case, which has seen several accused persons plead for leniency.
Key points
- Waititu and his co-accused have pleaded for mercy, citing their first-time offender status and family circumstances.
- The defense has asked the court to assess each person's role individually, rather than making blanket judgments.
- The court's sentencing ruling will be delivered on November 2, 2026.
