The High Court has dismissed an application by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu to be released on bond as he awaits the determination of his appeal.
Justice Lucy Njuguna ruled that Waititu had failed to convince the court that his appeal had a high likelihood of success. She also dismissed his plea to be granted bond on medical grounds, stating that he had not met the necessary conditions for bail.
“It is my finding that the applicants have not met the conditions for bail. The applications are hereby dismissed,” Justice Njuguna ruled.
Waititu has been in jail since the Anti-Corruption Court found him guilty of conflict of interest and handling suspect property.
The former governor was convicted for corruptly receiving millions from Kiambu County through a KSh 588 million road tender. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison or an alternative fine of KSh 53.7 million.
Earlier, his lawyer, Danstan Omari, had filed an application at the High Court seeking his release on reasonable bond terms while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. Omari argued that the court should allow the KSh 50 million bond Waititu had deposited during his trial to serve as security for his release.
Waititu, who cited health concerns, claimed that continued incarceration was detrimental to his well-being, citing a severe case of high blood pressure that requires urgent medical attention.
