Blow for Waititu as court rules Deputy Governor should take over

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been dealt a major blow after he was barred from accessing his office until the corruption case against him is heard and determined.

Chief magistrate Lawrence Mugambi agreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that Waititu's duties should be performed by the Deputy Governor until the criminal case is concluded.

The Kiambu County boss, through his lawyers, had argued that being forced to step aside would undermine his constitutional powers and would cause a vacuum.

"As for the submissions that barring the first accused from accessing his office would cause a lacuna, I find Justice Mumbi Ngugi's decision more persuasive and binding to this court. She observed that if the Governor is unable to perform his duties, the Deputy Governor should take over," Mugambi ruled.

James Nyoro

The ruling means that Deputy Governor James Nyoro, who has had a poor relationship with his boss, will take over Waititu's official duties.

However, the magistrate agreed to release Waititu on a cash bail of Sh15 million with an alternative for a Sh30 million bond.

The nine other accused persons were also given released on cash bails of varying amounts.