Nairobi, Kenya – Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu, popularly known as Baba Yao, walked out of prison on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, after the High Court granted him release on a KSh 53 million bank guarantee pending the determination of his appeal.
The decision marks a new chapter in a corruption saga that began five years ago, ultimately leading to his 12-year prison sentence earlier this year.
The Road to Conviction: From Governor to Inmate
Waititu’s troubles began during his tenure as Kiambu Governor (2017–2020), when the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched investigations into a Sh588 million road construction tender.
- 2019: EACC detectives raided his homes in Runda and Kiambu, accusing him of conflict of interest and irregular procurement deals.
- January 2020: Waititu became the first governor to be impeached by the Senate over corruption and abuse of office allegations. His deputy, James Nyoro, took over as governor.
- 2021–2024: His graft trial faced multiple adjournments, as Waititu unsuccessfully sought to stop the case on grounds of political persecution.
- February 2025: The Anti-Corruption Court found him guilty of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a KSh 53 million fine.
- March 2025: He was transferred to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison after serving the initial weeks at Industrial Area Remand Prison.
Co-Accused and Family Involvement
The case also roped in his wife, Susan Ndung’u, and directors of Testimony Enterprises Ltd, the company linked to the irregular road contracts:
- Susan Ndung’u was fined KSh 500,000 or 1-year in jail.
- Company directors received fines and jail terms ranging from 1 to 11 years, depending on their level of involvement.
The court also barred Waititu from holding public office for 10 years and froze properties worth KSh 1.9 billion, which EACC claims were acquired through proceeds of corruption.
Today’s Relief: High Court Grants Bond Pending Appeal
In today’s ruling, Justice Lucy Njuguna allowed Waititu to secure his release on a KSh 53 million bank guarantee, giving him temporary freedom as his appeal against the conviction and sentence is heard.
The judge cited the lengthy appellate process and the non-violent nature of his offenses, noting that the bond would ensure he remains available for all hearings
With his release, Waititu regains limited freedom but remains a convicted man until the appeal is determined.
- His political future remains uncertain, as he is still barred from public office unless the conviction is overturned.
- The EACC has vowed to continue pursuing recovery of public funds allegedly lost through the Kiambu road tender scandal.
Supporters of Baba Yao celebrated outside the court, while critics argued that the release sends mixed signals in Kenya’s fight against corruption.
