Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been granted a legal lifeline after the High Court on Wednesday, April 23 allowed him to amend his appeal in a bid to secure bail and challenge his 12-year jail term for corruption.
Justice Lucy Njuguna gave the green light for Waititu to revise his bail appeal, opening a new legal front in a case that has captivated national attention. The move allows the embattled former county boss to introduce new arguments, correct omissions and update facts that could potentially influence the court’s decision.
“This is not a guarantee of freedom, but it signals the court’s willingness to give Mr. Waititu a fair chance to strengthen his case,” said a source close to the legal team.
Waititu’s legal troubles began when he was convicted on February 13 for unlawfully awarding a multi-million shilling tender during his tenure as Kiambu governor. He was handed a 12-year sentence or an alternative fine of Ksh53.5 million.
Earlier attempts to secure bail were blocked after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully challenged his release. Waititu had cited deteriorating health, including chest pains and high blood pressure, as grounds for bail—claims the court dismissed.
Despite this, his legal team remains optimistic. “This amendment gives us a second shot at justice. We’re reviewing all developments since the original filing and will reframe our arguments accordingly,” said one of his lawyers, who requested anonymity.
The decision comes five weeks after Judge Njuguna ruled that Waititu remain in custody until today’s hearing, following a fresh bail application he filed on March 18.
Legal experts caution, however, that the court’s decision to allow amendment does not reflect the strength of the appeal. “It’s a procedural win, not a substantive one,” said constitutional lawyer Robert Aywa. “The amended appeal must still stand up to legal scrutiny.”
Waititu, currently held at Industrial Area Remand Prison, now faces a crucial phase in his legal battle, with both his freedom and political legacy hanging in the balance.
The court is yet to set a date to hear the amended appeal. Meanwhile, Waititu’s separate appeal against the corruption conviction itself remains pending.
