Kabete MP Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu is a seasoned politician and has become a darling of many supporters in Kabete and Embakasi where he served as MP earlier.
Waititu commonly referred to as ‘Baba Yao’ (Their Father) is known in the political circles for his fierce approach to issues and defender of human rights.
Waititu vied for Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2013 general elections but lost to incumbent Evans Kidero.
He later challenged the election of Kidero in court claiming that the governor rigged the 2013 polls. Waititu lost the petition challenging the election of Kidero.
In 2015 Waititu found his way into active politics after the death of Kabete MP George Muchai. He vied for the Kabete seat and won the by-election on TNA ticket.
His entry back to politics and especially in Kiambu has caused Kiambu governor sleepless nights.
While being announced the winner of the Kabete by-election, Waititu announced his intentions of vying for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat. His ambition for the Kiambu top seat has continued to rub him wrongly with incumbent governor William Kabogo.
The two (Waititu and Kabogo) have been spitting bitter words against each other with Kabogo claiming that ‘Baba Yao’ is an illiterate who should not hold public office.
In March this year Kabogo filed a petition at the High court claiming that Waititu does not hold any qualifications and that his degree at Punjab University is a fake.
Kabogo claimed that he was at Punjab and never saw Waititu. Baba Yao refuted the claims and defended his qualifications saying that he holds a degree from Punjab.
Facts about Baba Yao
• Waititu was born on January 1, 1962 and raised in Kibera, Nairobi County.
• He was once a Member of Parliament (MP) for Embakasi.
• Baba Yao was also an Assistant Minister for Water and Irrigation services in the Kibaki government.
• He also served a deputy mayor and a Councillor of Nairobi.
• Baba Yao vied for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2013 but lost to Governor Evans Kidero.
• He is currently the Kabete MP having been elected in 2015 in a by-election following the death of George Muchai.
Education
• Waititu completed his secondary education in 1981 from Dagoretti High School.
• He holds a degree in Commerce from Punjab University, India.
• He is currently doing his Masters degree at Methodist University.
Social life
Waititu is described as a defender of people’s rights. When he was Embakasi MP, Waititu ruthlessly fought land grabbers. He is social and easily connects with his supporters.
Wrong side of Waititu
The MP has on several occasions found himself on the wrong hand of the law. Recently he was charged with incitement together with other seven politicians.
Ambition
Waititu wants to unseat Kiambu governor William Kabogo in 2017.
With the 2017 general elections around the corner it will be interesting to watch how the contest between Waititu and Kabogo plus others who have shown interest in the gubernatorial seat unfold.