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Former Kiambu governor Waititu, wife facing sentencing after mitigation in Sh588m case
By LEAH MUKANGAI NAIROBI, KENYA — Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari, and co-convicts Charles Chege and Beth Wangeci appeared before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for mitigation hearings in their Sh588 million money laundering case.
The proceedings follow a High Court ruling that overturned their earlier acquittal, finding the accused persons guilty and remanding them to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for sentencing.
Pleading for leniency, Wangari’s lawyer, Chris Mutuku, told Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa that his client was merely a “silent partner” in Testimony Enterprises, one of the key companies cited in the graft case.
Mutuku argued that Wangari had no operational control or financial gain from the transaction, stating that her involvement was limited to signing incorporation documents.
“Crucifixion is by association, that’s why she finds herself in the difficult position she is in,” Mutuku submitted, emphasizing that Wangari was neither a signatory nor a decision-maker in the flow of funds.
Defence counsel further argued that state audit reports produced during trial showed no loss of public funds, contending that only the procurement process leading to the tender award was faulted.
The court was also urged to consider the personal circumstances of co-convict Beth Wangeci, described as a young mother and sole breadwinner for her minor children.
Mutuku appealed to Chief Magistrate Barasa to prioritize rehabilitation over harsh punitive measures, noting that the convicts have already incurred severe financial burdens, including penalties exceeding Sh50 million.
The accused persons were remanded in custody pending their formal sentencing, scheduled for November 2, 2026.
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