Embattled Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is walking a tightrope after the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) filed an application demanding that he returns Sh147 million.
The county boss, who was impeached by the MCAs last month, has been put on the spot by the anti-graft body after he allegedly pocketed Sh25,624, 500 from a tender awarded to Testimony Company Limited.
The EACC wants the funds returned with immediate effect as Waituti’s fate as a governor hangs on the balance. The tender awarded to the firm was meant to upgrade roads in Ruiru, Gatundu North, Limuru and Thika.
Waititu was arrested and arraigned in court alongside his wife Susan Wangari and eight others over the embezzlement of the said funds.
Court papers, seen by The Star, show that EACC accused the county boss of having a personal interest in the project before the award of the tender.
“As a result of the foregoing, we aver that the contract awarded to Testimony Company Limited arising from the flawed procurement process undertaken in breach of the law is voidable,” court papers read.
EACC told the court that the millions the governor was given were meant to act as a kickback before he awarded the tender.
The court blocked the governor from accessing office after his arrest before his deputy James Nyoro assumed the office.