Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has suffered a major setback after the High Court dismissed his bid to overturn a 12-year jail term he is currently serving for corruption.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna rejected an application filed by Waititu on August 28, 2025, in which he sought to review the sentence handed to him earlier this year.

Waititu’s Case

In February 2025, Waititu was convicted on corruption-related charges and ordered to either pay a fine of Ksh53.5 million or serve 12 years in prison.

The court found that he irregularly received Ksh25 million from Testimony Enterprises following the award of a flawed tender, in violation of procurement laws and public trust.

The former governor, popularly known as “Baba Yao”, failed to raise the hefty fine and has since been serving time at Kamiti Maximum Prison.

Court Ruling

Justice Njuguna said the sentence will remain in force until Waititu’s pending appeal is heard and determined.

She directed that the appeal be concluded within 120 days, warning that unnecessary delays by the ex-governor could see the case struck out altogether.

“Justice Njuguna ruled that the sentencing will stand pending the hearing and determination of Waititu’s appeal. She further directed that the appeal be concluded within 120 days, warning that any delays on the part of the former governor could lead to the case being struck out,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Kamiti Stay Continues

Waititu had also sought release on bond but failed to meet the strict terms imposed by the court, which included depositing a Ksh53 million bank guarantee.

As a result, he will continue serving his term at Kamiti Maximum Prison until the appeal is concluded.

The case will be mentioned again on October 1, 2025, when directions on the appeal process are expected to be given.