Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Nears Freedom After Securing Sh53 Million Bank Guarantee
Nairobi, Kenya - In a significant development that could end months of incarceration, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung'u Waititu has obtained a Sh53 million bank guarantee, positioning him for a potential release from Kamiti Maximum Prison. The move comes amid ongoing legal battles, including a separate hate-speech prosecution, and highlights Waititu's efforts to meet stringent bail conditions in his high-profile corruption conviction.
Waititu, who has been behind bars since February, appeared before Trial Magistrate Rose Ndombi at the Nairobi Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for a routine mention in the hate-speech case. During the session, his legal team revealed that the former county leader had successfully arranged the substantial financial surety, fulfilling one of the key prerequisites for his liberation in the graft matter. Magistrate Ndombi acknowledged the progress, stating that upon deposit of the guarantee, it would clear the path for Waititu's release. She emphasized, however, that the existing bond conditions from the earlier hate-speech proceedings remain in full effect, ensuring compliance with all judicial stipulations.
The corruption case, which led to Waititu's 12-year imprisonment, stems from graft allegations tied to his tenure as governor. Convicted earlier this year, the sentence has kept him confined at Kamiti, Kenya's notorious maximum-security facility, where he has navigated the challenges of prolonged detention while pursuing appeals and bail options. The Sh53 million guarantee represents a critical breakthrough, demonstrating Waititu's resource mobilization amid financial and logistical hurdles often faced by high-profile inmates.
Parallel to the corruption saga runs the hate-speech charge, which accuses Waititu of delivering inflammatory remarks at a political rally held at Ruiru Stadium on September 29, 2024. According to the prosecution, Waititu's statements were deliberately provocative, targeting vulnerable segments of society including hustlers, small-scale traders, boda boda operators, members of the clergy, and educators. The comments, prosecutors argue, were designed to stoke ethnic and social tensions, fostering an environment ripe for unrest and even violence directed at political figures. These allegations have drawn sharp scrutiny, underscoring broader concerns about inflammatory rhetoric in Kenyan politics, especially in the lead-up to electoral cycles.
The court has scheduled the substantive hearing for the hate-speech case on January 15, 2026, giving Waititu a window to potentially resolve his custody status before that date. If the bank guarantee is processed without hitches, he could walk free in the coming days or weeks, allowing him to prepare his defense from outside prison walls. Legal experts note that such guarantees are a common mechanism in Kenyan courts to balance public interest with the presumption of innocence, though they often involve rigorous verification to prevent abuse.
Waititu's journey from the political spotlight to courtroom battles has captivated observers. Once a fiery United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stalwart and close ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his fall from grace began with the 2019 corruption probe that unraveled his gubernatorial ambitions. The hate-speech case adds another layer, reflecting the judiciary's growing intolerance for speech that could destabilize social cohesion in a nation still healing from past election-related violence.
As Waititu's team works to finalize the guarantee deposit, the focus shifts to the procedural next steps. Court officials have not yet confirmed a timeline for approval, but sources close to the matter suggest expedited handling given the amount's scale and Waititu's compliance record. For now, the former governor remains in custody, but the prospect of release injects a ray of hope into what has been a grueling chapter.
This story is developing, with updates expected as the court processes the bail application. Stay tuned for more on how this pivotal moment unfolds for one of Kenya's most polarizing political figures.