Efforts by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu to secure softer bond terms have suffered another setback after the High Court turned down his latest application seeking a review of the Sh53 million bank guarantee imposed as he challenges his 12-year jail sentence in a corruption case.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Wilfrida Okany, the court declined to adjust the bond conditions, holding that the request had been brought too early. The judge maintained that the existing terms would remain in place as the appeal moves forward.
Waititu had earlier managed to obtain release on a Sh53 million bank guarantee after making several attempts to be freed while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. Despite that breakthrough, he returned to court asking for a variation of the conditions, arguing that the requirements were too heavy.
The fresh application comes against the backdrop of an earlier decision issued on September 16, 2025, when Justice Lucy Njuguna rejected a separate plea to review or alter the sentence imposed on him. The court found no merit in the application dated August 28, 2025.
In that ruling, the prosecution successfully argued that the former county boss had failed to meet the legal standard required for the court to interfere with the punishment handed down by the trial court.
Waititu was found guilty in February 2025 in relation to a Sh588 million corruption case tied to the unlawful award of road construction tenders during his tenure leading Kiambu County.
The trial court concluded that he disregarded principles of good governance and did not protect public funds after receiving Sh25 million from Testimony Enterprises following the issuance of a flawed contract.
Following his conviction, the court ordered him to pay a fine of Sh53.5 million or serve 12 years in prison. He subsequently sought to have both the sentence and the bail terms reviewed as he prepared to pursue his appeal.
While dismissing the application to interfere with the sentence, Justice Njuguna directed that the appeal be heard and concluded within 120 days. She cautioned that any delay caused by the appellant could result in the matter being struck out.
With the High Court now declining to revise the bond terms, Waititu remains confined at Kamiti Maximum Prison unless he satisfies the set conditions or succeeds in overturning the conviction on appeal.
