Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and ex-Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine are expected to appear in court this week to face charges related to corruption scandals involving millions of shillings during their tenures in office.
Ferdinand Waititu, who served as the Governor of Kiambu from 2017 until his impeachment in 2020, is set to answer charges related to a Ksh25.6 million scandal. The case involves allegations of irregular procurement processes and embezzlement of public funds, with Waititu accused of using his office to benefit from contracts awarded by the county government. The funds in question were reportedly siphoned through companies associated with him and his close associates.
Meanwhile, Moses Kasaine, the former Governor of Samburu County, is also scheduled to appear in court to face charges concerning a Ksh84.8 million corruption scandal. Kasaine, who served as Samburu’s governor from 2013 to 2020, is accused of misappropriating public funds through inflated tender awards and dubious contracts. The former governor allegedly diverted these funds to personal accounts and those of his allies, significantly undermining the county’s development projects.
The impending court appearances of the two former governors underscore the ongoing efforts by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to hold public officials accountable for their actions while in office. The cases against Waititu and Kasaine are part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Kenya, which has seen several high-profile figures brought to justice.
Both former governors have consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges against them are politically motivated. However, the EACC has expressed confidence in the evidence collected, which they believe will lead to successful prosecutions.
The cases are being closely watched as a litmus test for Kenya’s commitment to fighting corruption, particularly within the ranks of its political elite. Should the court find them guilty, Waititu and Kasaine could face hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences, furthering the government’s anti-corruption agenda.
The court hearings are expected to attract significant public and media attention, as Kenyans eagerly await the outcome of these high-stakes corruption trials.
