By Mujidu Victor
The High Court Orders Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to seize Ex Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s properties.
Waititu’s assets are alleged to have been acquired illegally. Same suit to clump other Governors associated with cases of embezzlement of public funds including abuse of power and office.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in Court
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been one of the authorities who suffered a severe blow following different alleged graft cases presented to the High Court.
The Court commissioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to seize Waititu’s 18 prime properties and seven vehicles that belong to him and his family members including firms he owns.
Justice Esther Maina also deterred his wife Susan Ndung’u and their firms from selling, transferring, charging, wasting, or in any way interfering with the confiscated assets until their case comes to a verdict.
Sh2Billion recovery
The EACC filed the case in the High Court to recover almost Sh 2 billion that is annexed with the unexplained assets allegedly acquired unlawfully by the former Governor.
The commission said the suit will cut across to all Governors suspected to have stockpiled public funds and accumulated illicit wealth.
The properties associated with Waititu include Jamii Bora apartment worth Sh200 million, Delta Hotel worth Sh 380 million, Biashara Shopping Mall is worth Sh110 million, and Runda Grove is worth over Sh 96 million.
Following the EACC investigations, Waititu registered the properties in the name of his wife, daughter, and agents.
The Commission traced Sh805 million to his account and Sh 276 million banked in his wife’s account.
Governors Anne Waiguru, Fahim Twaha and Dhadho Godhana
Governors associated with graft scandals include Tana-River County Governor Dhadho Gaddae Godhana, Lamu County Governor Fahim Twaha, and Kirinyaga County Governor Ann Mumbi Waiguru among others.
Governor Dhadho who belongs to the Azimio-Oka movement faces charges of procurement irregularities and price exaggeration in the purchase of vehicles and motorcycles.
He is also accused of irregular award of the tender to Emad Construction Limited.
Twaha who is aligned with the Azimio-Oka coalition is examined by the EACC due to irregularities in hiring 12 unqualified county staff members as well as allegedly cases associated with abuse of office.
Lastly, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Mumbi Waiguri who is associated with the Kenya Kwanza movement received a red card from the EACC due to an accusation of irregular receiving of travel imprest of Sh10.6 million. However, in June 2020, Waiguru survived impeachment on the same allegations.
