EACC orders Waititu, his wife to surrender themselves

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has ordered Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u and 5 other county officials wanted in Sh588m graft probe to surrender themselves.

The anti-graft body has said that three suspects have already been arrested.

The Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji on Friday ordered the arrest of the Kiambu county chief and his wife over alleged embezzlement of Ksh. 588million public funds.

The DPP said he is satisfied with evidence against Waititu and 12 other suspects linked to irregular procurement for upgrading several roads in Kiambu County.

“I find that the award of the contract for Ksh.588,198,328.20 in respect to tender No.CGK/RTPW&U/142/2017-2018- for the upgrading of various gravel roads to Bitumen surface in Thika, Limuru, Gatundu North, Juja and Ruiru sub-counties was skewed in favour of M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd, and the county government officials were culpable,”the statement reads.

It adds: “The directors of M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd were close associates of Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu Babayao, the Governor of Kiambu County. The total amount of Ksh.147,274,055.39 have so far been irregularly paid to Testimony Enterprises Ltd in relation to the subject tender.”

Waititu and his co-accused are to be charged with conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement and engaging in fraudulent practice.