Court freezes assets worth KES 1.9 billion owned by ex-governor Waititu
The High Court on Thursday granted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission body nod to freeze properties worth more than KES1.9 billion belonging to former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Justice Esther Maina allowed EACC temporary orders to freeze properties in Nairobi’s central business district, Runda, Lakisama, Migaa Estate, Runda Grove and parcels of land in Embakasi Ranching, Thindigua and Kayole.
Also frozen are seven vehicles, which the EACC suspects were acquired illegitimately.
Investigations by EACC established that Ferdinard Ndung’u Waititu alias Babayao allegedly abused his position of trust as a Member of Parliament – Kabete Constituency and later as Governor of Kiambu County for private gain by engaging in corruption deals and transactions which were in conflict with public interest.
He is said to have amassed wealth that was disproportionate to his known legitimate sources of income.
According to the prosecution affidavit, while serving as the Governor of Kiambu Country, tenders were awarded to contractors who subsequently transferred proceeds of the fraudulent procurement contracts to him, his wife, Susan Wangari Ndung’u and their companies as kick-backs.
He is said to have traded with the county through companies registered in the names of his wife, and their daughter Monica Njeri Ndungu who upon receipt of payments from the County transferred money to him.
As a result, he accumulated assets worth KES 1.94 billion, which is disproportionate to his known legitimate sources of income for the period between 2015 and 2020.
EACC had made an application in court on May 27 2022, seeking orders seeking an injunction restraining Waititu and his kin from alienating 18 parcels of land listed.
The Commission also sought injunction restraining him from transferring or dealing in seven motor vehicles.
Almost one year later, the High Court today, May, 4 2023, made a ruling allowing the Application.
The Court ruled that the Defendants shall deposit KES 24.6 million, being the value of the motor vehicles, in a joint interest earning account within seven days.
Waititu was given an alternative To furnish the Commission with a bank guarantee for KES24.6 million within seven days, failing which the Commission shall seize the motor vehicles.