Waititu, wife Wangari to remain in custody as court delays sentencing decision

Waititu, wife Wangari to remain in custody as court delays sentencing decision

Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa postponed the matter to October 27, 2026, after the prosecution and defence disagreed on whether the accused should be sentenced individually or in their corporate capacity.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife Susan Wangari will remain in custody as the court awaits directions on who should face mitigation and sentencing following their conviction in a money-laundering case.

Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa on Thursday postponed the matter to October 27, 2026, after the prosecution and defence disagreed on whether the accused should be sentenced individually or in their corporate capacity.

The dispute arose after the case was returned to the magistrate’s court following a High Court judgment delivered on October 14, 2026, which overturned the earlier acquittals on money-laundering charges and convicted the accused.

Barasa said he had decided to seek guidance from the High Court before proceeding with the sentencing process.

“Having considered the issues raised, this court deemed it prudent to place a file before the High Court through the Deputy Registrar for directions,” the magistrate said.

The defence had argued that Waititu, his wife and co-accused Charles Chege Mbuthia should not be subjected to sentencing on charges for which the trial court had previously acquitted them as individuals.

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However, the prosecution maintained that the High Court had allowed its application and directed the accused to appear for mitigation, paving the way for sentencing.

State prosecutor Vincent Monda did not oppose a separate application by Wangari seeking the release of her mobile phone, which had been held by authorities at Lang’ata Women’s Prison following her conviction.

Wangari’s lawyer told the court that the phone was in her possession when she was taken into custody and was not an exhibit in any investigation. He argued that the device was needed to facilitate the running of her business.

The lawyer clarified that the phone should be handed to Wangari’s daughter, Monica Njeri, rather than directly to the accused.

Monda advised the defence to liaise with prison authorities to facilitate the release, after which the court ordered that the phone be released to Njeri.

Wangari appeared in court alongside her husband and Mbuthia as the parties awaited further directions on the sentencing proceedings.

The latest developments follow the High Court’s decision to overturn the money-laundering acquittals, leaving the accused facing mitigation and sentencing once the magistrate receives clarification on how the proceedings should be conducted.

The matter will be mentioned on October 27 for further orders.