The Judiciary has come to the defense of Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki’s ruling to fine former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Ksh 53.749 million, or a 12-year jail term, following his conviction in a Ksh 588 million corruption case.
In an official statement, the Judiciary explained that the fine imposed on Waititu was proportionate to the amount he and his wife, Susan Wangari, had illicitly received. The court found that Waititu and Wangari, through their entities Saika Two Estates Developers Limited and Bienvenue Delta Hotel, received Ksh 25,624,500 from Testimony Enterprises Limited, a contractor involved in the scandal.
Notably, the Ksh 53.7 million fine handed to Waititu is double the amount he unlawfully received. This decision has drawn attention, especially in light of the ruling against Charles Chege Mbuthia, the main director of Testimony Enterprises Limited, who was fined Ksh 296.5 million and faced an 11-year prison term despite having received Ksh 147.3 million from the Kiambu County Government.
While the fine on Waititu has drawn some public criticism, the Judiciary maintains that it is in line with the severity of his offense. Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangari, was fined Ksh 500,000 or one year in jail for her involvement in the case.
The ruling has sparked debates on social media, with many Kenyans questioning the fairness of the fine compared to other corruption cases. One notable comparison drawn online is with Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke, who was sentenced to 67 years in prison and given the option of paying a Ksh 1 billion fine after being convicted in a Ksh 313 million maize scandal.