Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is no stranger to controversy and public humiliation, but nothing beats the embarrassment that he was subjected to during Sunday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, a dejected Waititu is seen being escorted out of the VIP section where he had found a seat and made himself comfortable ready for the event to kick off.
Waititu, frequently trolled for his poor English speaking skills and an alleged fake degree from Punjab University, has always displayed a don’t-care attitude towards his critics, probably because he had his friendship with President Uhuru Kenyatta to run to.
But on Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta was nowhere to be seen to defend his long-time political friend Babayao.
In fact, Kenyans believe that the President was behind Waititu’s woes because he does not want to be associated with individuals facing corruption cases.
Waititu belongs to this pool of politicians as he is currently fighting to save his career over graft and misuse of office charges.
Earlier, Waititu was considered part of Uhuru’s inner circle especially during and after the 2013 and 2017 General Elections campaigns.
Here are some top memorable Babayao moments with the President before things fell apart:
When he promised Uhuru 1.2 million Kiambu votes
When President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto presented their papers to the IEBC officially indicating their candidature in the August 2017 poll, no one was as elated as the now troubled governor.
Waititu, who was also at the time seeking to dethrone William Kabogo as the Governor of Kiambu County went as far as vowing to rally 1.2 million votes for the duo.
When he forced the President to shake Kiambu leaders’ hands
Waititu cracked ribs in December when he called upon Kiambu County leaders to shake a blushing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s hand.
Without giving the President time to agree to his suggestion, Waititu hurriedly summoned his County Chiefs, telling them they might never get the chance to personally meet the President ever again.
When Uhuru ordered Sonko and Shebesh to support Waititu
Waititu’s gubernatorial aspirations began in 2013, when he vied for the Nairobi County leadership post. Not everyone was on his side though, much less the then Senator Aspirant Mike Sonko and Woman Representative aspirant Rachel Shebesh.
It took the intervention of Uhuru to get Sonko and Shebesh in good terms with Waititu who, nevertheless, lost.
When the entire circle showed up in Kiambu
Governor Waititu will probably never forget the day when President Kenyatta, DP Ruto, and ODM leader Raila Odinga all graced the inauguration of Bidco Industrial Park in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
Waititu was seen exchanging hearty laughs with the three political giants and contrary to the Sunday fete, at the front of the dais.
When Uhuru and Waititu held hands
What speaks more of a deep friendship than when two men hold hands?
This was the situation in December 2018 when Uhuru went on a visit to Waititu’s backyard. The two were pictured laughing and holding hands while walking alongside other government offficials.
So, when did the rain start beating Waititu?