Embattled ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu’s woes are just not yet over.
Just a few days after his impeachment, Waititu has lost more than three bids in court, the latest being losing bid to block two prosecution witnesses from testifying against him in Sh580m graft case.
FORMER KIAMBU governor Ferdinand Waititu loses bid to block two prosecution witnesses from testifying against him in Sh580m graft case. pic.twitter.com/vkmG3G5zSG
— NationBreakingNews (@NationBreaking) February 4, 2020
Waititu had argued in court that the graft charges are founded on malice and are part of witch-hunt by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Mr Waititu on Thursday last week presented his arguments before Senior Principal Magistrate Thomas Nzioki at the Milimani Law Courts, a day after his removal from office.
He said two witnesses in the case – former Finance Chief Officer Faith Njeri Harrison and former Director of Supply Chain Management Justus Bundi Kinoti – carried out the financial transactions that saw him get arrested and charged in court.
Through lawyer John Swaka, Mr Waititu sought to have statements by the two expunged from the records.
On Tuesday morning, William Kabogo, the former Kiambu Governor had told Waititu in no uncertain terms, to move on following his ouster.
Kabogo advised Waititu to concentrate on his defence at the criminal proceeding at Milimani courts.
“My free unsolicited advice to Hon. Fandinand Waititu:- your removal was people driven, pushing and trying to come back in which one way will only aggravate things and cause you more pain. Concentrate rather on your defence at the criminal proceeding at Milimani courts.wish uwell,” he posted.
My free unsolicited advice to Hon. Fandinand Waititu:- your removal was people driven, pushing and trying to come back in which one way will only aggravate things and cause you more pain. Concentrate rather on your defence at the criminal proceeding at Milimani courts.wish uwell pic.twitter.com/YKs6c1jQF5
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) February 4, 2020
Waititu on Monday lost his bid to block newly sworn-in Governor James Nyoro from appointing a deputy.
High Court Judge James Makau ruled that Mr Waititu did not establish a prima facie case, which means he failed to prove his case by providing sufficient evidence to warrant the order.
On Friday last week, High Court Judge Weldon Korir declined a request made by the impeached Kiambu Governor to stop the swearing-in ceremony of Nyoro.
Justice Korir said the swearing-in ceremony was being presided over by a competent Judge, Justice John Onyiego, and thus could not be stopped.
Waititu had earlier on sued the Senate, Kiambu County Assembly and Speakers of the two Houses as well as his deputy James Nyoro over his ouster, but he again lost his application.