Court Spares Waititu, Orders Partial Asset Forfeiture
Partial Asset Forfeiture Ordered
Former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu received reprieve after the court ordered forfeiture of assets worth Ksh131 million. Moreover, the ruling spared him from surrendering properties valued at over Ksh1.9 billion.
Assets Seized by the Court
Among the seized assets are two plots of land worth Ksh32 million. Additionally, the court confiscated a Caterpillar tractor valued at Ksh11 million and two cars worth Ksh600,000 each.
Court Explains Decision
Justice Nixon Sifuna ruled that Waititu failed to prove lawful acquisition of the assets. Therefore, the court partially allowed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (EACC) civil recovery case.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2022 when EACC filed suit against Waititu. Furthermore, the commission alleged he held over Ksh1 billion in unexplained assets.
Allegations of Corrupt Acquisition
EACC claimed Waititu acquired wealth through dubious procurement contracts linked to companies associated with him and his wife. Consequently, the commission sought full recovery of assets allegedly obtained illegally.
Court Finds Insufficient Evidence
Justice Sifuna noted EACC failed to present clear and solid evidence. As a result, the court ordered forfeiture of only a fraction of the assets.
Previous Conviction Highlighted
In February, Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Alternatively, he was fined Ksh52.5 million after conviction in a Ksh588 million graft case.
Relief for Waititu and Family
The ruling provided significant relief for Waititu and his wife, Susan Ndung’u. Therefore, they avoided losing properties initially valued at over Ksh1.9 billion.
