Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been released from Kamiti Maximum Prison after the High Court reviewed and substantially relaxed the bail terms that had kept him detained pending the hearing and determination of his appeal in the Sh588 million graft case.
The decision was delivered by Justice Winfrida Okwany in the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court in Nairobi on February 26, 2026. Waititu had been held since late 2024 after failing to meet the initial cash bail of Sh53.5 million imposed following his conviction on multiple counts of abuse of office, conflict of interest and procurement irregularities during his tenure as governor.
In her ruling, Justice Okwany found that the original bail amount was disproportionately high given Waititu’s circumstances, including his age, health status, lack of flight risk and history of complying with court orders throughout the trial. The judge reduced the cash bail to Sh20 million, accepted two sureties of Sh30 million each backed by verified title deeds, and imposed standard conditions such as surrender of passport, weekly reporting to the nearest police station and a prohibition on interfering with witnesses or evidence.
Waititu’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda, hailed the ruling as a restoration of fairness. “This decision reaffirms that bail pending appeal is a right, not a privilege to be denied through excessive financial barriers,” Ojienda said outside court. “Our client has strong arguable grounds of appeal and has demonstrated he is not a flight risk. The High Court has corrected an injustice that kept him incarcerated unnecessarily.”
Moments after the ruling was delivered, Waititu was processed for release at Kamiti Prison and walked out of the facility in the late afternoon, greeted by a small group of family members, supporters and journalists. Speaking briefly to the media, the former governor expressed relief and gratitude. “I thank God and the court for this day,” Waititu said. “I have always maintained my innocence and I look forward to clearing my name fully on appeal. I appreciate everyone who stood by me and my family during this difficult time.”
The Sh588 million case stems from allegations that Waititu irregularly awarded tenders for road works, garbage collection and supply of goods during his time as governor between 2013 and 2017. He was convicted in 2024 on several counts and sentenced to serve time unless he posted the original high bail. The appeal, which challenges both conviction and sentence, is scheduled for hearing before a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal later in 2026.
Waititu’s release has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters celebrated outside the prison gates, waving placards and chanting his name, while anti-corruption campaigners criticised the decision as too lenient for a case involving significant public funds. Transparency International Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masiga said: “While bail pending appeal is a constitutional right, the public expects swift and fair conclusion of corruption appeals. The courts must ensure these cases are not delayed indefinitely.”
The former governor has been ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to Muthaiga Police Station every Monday and Friday until the appeal is determined. He is also prohibited from contacting prosecution witnesses or interfering with evidence in any way.
Waititu’s legal team has indicated they will push for an expedited hearing of the appeal, arguing that prolonged uncertainty harms both the appellant and public confidence in the justice system. The prosecution has not indicated whether it will appeal the bail variation.
The release comes at a politically sensitive time, with the 2027 general election cycle already underway and several high-profile corruption cases involving former and current public officials still active in the courts.
As Waititu returns home to his family in Kiambu, attention now shifts to the substantive appeal and whether the Court of Appeal will uphold, overturn or vary the trial court’s judgment in what remains one of the most closely watched graft cases in recent Kenyan history.
