Ferdinand Waititu: The Rise and Fall of "Baba Yao"

The Rise of a Political Firebrand
In a packed Milimani courtroom, the silence was broken by the judge's gavel, sealing the fate of "Baba Yao." Ferdinand Waititu, once a formidable political force and the governor of Kiambu County, now faced the grim reality of a 12-year prison sentence. His journey—from a grassroots mobilizer to a disgraced politician—mirrors the turbulent nature of Kenyan politics.

Early Life and Education
Ferdinand Ndung'u Waititu was born on February 27, 1960, in Kiambu County, Kenya. His early years were spent in the heart of Central Kenya, where he cultivated his tough, no-nonsense persona. He later pursued higher education at Punjab University in India, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. His academic credentials, however, became a subject of controversy in 2016 when he was forced to defend them against allegations of fraud. In 2017, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from Kenya Methodist University (KeMU).

A Controversial Political Career
Waititu entered the national political scene in 2007 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Embakasi Constituency. His leadership style was anything but conventional—boisterous, aggressive, and unapologetically populist. He became a fixture in Nairobi’s political circles, often seen engaging directly with constituents, sometimes even physically confronting issues himself. His brand of politics earned him admiration from his supporters but also frequent clashes with authorities.

In 2013, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Nairobi Metropolitan Authority, a role he held until 2014. Following the assassination of Kabete MP George Muchai, Waititu successfully vied for the parliamentary seat in a 2015 by-election, cementing his influence in Central Kenya.

Governor of Kiambu: Ambition Meets Scandal
Riding on his populist appeal, Waititu won the 2017 Kiambu gubernatorial election, defeating the incumbent William Kabogo. His tenure was marked by an ambitious development agenda, with infrastructure projects aimed at improving roads and water distribution. Yet, beneath the surface, allegations of corruption and mismanagement swirled. Reports of irregular procurement and suspicious financial dealings tainted his administration.

By January 2020, the tide had turned. The Kiambu County Assembly impeached Waititu on charges of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and misconduct. The Senate upheld the impeachment, sealing his political downfall. His deputy, James Nyoro, took over as governor.

Legal Battles and Convictions
Following his impeachment, Waititu found himself entangled in legal turmoil. Investigations revealed that he and his wife, Susan Ndung'u, had embezzled over Ksh 588 million through fraudulent road construction tenders. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) traced the funds through shell companies linked to his family.

Arrested and charged with corruption-related offenses, including conflict of interest and money laundering, Waititu attempted various legal maneuvers to block the cases. However, in February 2025, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court delivered a historic ruling: he was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison or an alternative fine of Ksh 53.5 million. His wife, Susan Wangari, received a one-year prison sentence or a Ksh 500,000 fine.

In May 2023, the High Court froze Waititu’s assets worth Ksh 1.9 billion, including 18 parcels of land and multiple luxury vehicles. Authorities alleged that these were acquired through illicit dealings. He was further barred from collecting revenue from his business, Bienvenue Delta Hotel, which was under investigation.

Legal troubles continued to mount. In September 2024, Waititu was arrested again for inflammatory remarks at a public rally in Ruiru Stadium. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recommended that he be charged for incitement to violence and offensive conduct likely to provoke public unrest.

Beyond his conviction, Waititu still faces pending corruption cases, including investigations into additional fraudulent contracts and financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor.

Political Influence: A Shadow of His Former Self
Despite his legal woes, Waititu remains a recognizable name in Kenyan politics. His past alliances with key political figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration have kept him relevant, though his influence has waned significantly. Once a fiery political warrior, he is now a cautionary tale of power lost to corruption.

The Man Behind the Name
Waititu is married to Susan Ndung'u, and together they have children. His aggressive, street-style politics earned him devoted supporters, particularly among the working class, who saw him as a leader unafraid to take action. However, his brashness also made him a controversial figure, with critics labeling his leadership as chaotic and riddled with impunity.

Legacy: A Cautionary Tale
Ferdinand Waititu’s journey is one of dramatic highs and devastating lows. From a celebrated champion of the people to a convicted felon, his story embodies the volatile nature of power and governance in Kenya. While his tenure saw tangible development projects, his administration’s corruption scandals overshadowed any positive contributions. His conviction and asset seizures underscore Kenya’s ongoing war against corruption—an enduring struggle that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape.

His future in politics remains uncertain, but his rise and fall will long serve as a stark reminder of how power, when unchecked, can lead to one's undoing.