How Kenyans Have Reacted After Court Ruled Waititu Can Walk Free if He Pays 21M from 588M Case

The sentencing of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in the KSh588.7 million corruption case has sparked debate over the penalties imposed by the court, particularly the option of paying KSh21 million in fines.

On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court imposed financial penalties on Waititu in three money-laundering counts linked to an irregular road construction tender awarded during his tenure as governor.

The former governor was fined KSh10 million on one count, KSh6 million on another, and KSh5 million on the third, bringing the total to KSh21 million.

The court provided prison terms in default of payment. However, the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the longest default term is five years rather than 13 years.

The ruling has raised questions about the relationship between the amount involved in the corruption case and the financial penalties imposed on the former county boss.

Some Kenyans may view the option of paying a fine as insufficient punishment given the KSh588.7 million value of the disputed contract. Others may seek clarity on how the fines were determined and how they relate to the offences for which Waititu was convicted.

However, paying the KSh21 million would not automatically allow Waititu to walk free. He is already serving a 12-year prison sentence arising from the same corruption case.

The case centres on a road construction contract awarded by the Kiambu County Government to Testimony Enterprises Limited during the 2017/2018 financial year.

Investigators traced money linked to the tender through companies associated with the accused persons, leading to the money-laundering charges.

The latest ruling has once again placed the handling of corruption cases and the effectiveness of financial penalties under public scrutiny.

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