Former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Sentenced to Two Years for Corruption
Nyahururu Anti-Corruption Courts have sentenced former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Mwangi to two years in prison after he was found guilty of procurement irregularities and abuse of office. However, he has the option to pay a fine of Ksh1 million instead of serving time.
Court Ruling and Charges
On Thursday, March 20, Chief Magistrate Hezekiah Keago ruled that Waithaka would serve two years or pay a Ksh500,000 fine for failing to comply with procurement laws. He also received another two-year sentence or a Ksh500,000 fine for abuse of office.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) confirmed that the former governor was sentenced alongside Grace Wanjiru Gitonga, the former County Executive Committee Member for Water, Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources.
“Chief Magistrate Hezekiah Keago ruled that the sentences would run concurrently if Waithaka fails to pay the imposed fine,” the ODPP stated.
Co-Accused Also Sentenced
Gitonga was found guilty of engaging in a project without prior planning. She was sentenced to two years in prison or pay a Ksh500,000 fine. Additionally, she received another two-year sentence or a Ksh500,000 fine for failing to comply with procurement laws.
The former governor and his CECM committed the offenses on April 30, 2014, while serving in public office. They unlawfully awarded a contract to an engineering consulting firm without a procurement plan for the 2013/2014 financial year.
Unlawful Procurement and Abuse of Office
Court documents revealed that Waithaka awarded a contract for the County Water Master Plan and the design review of the Ol Kalou Town Sewerage System without following procurement procedures.
On March 13, 2025, the court found him guilty of using his office to give an improper benefit to the consulting firm.
“The court heard that on April 30, 2014, at the Nyandarua County Government offices, the two, being public officers responsible for managing public property, failed to comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2006,” read part of the court ruling.
Other Governors Convicted for Corruption
Waithaka is now the third governor in Kenya to be convicted of corruption in the last two years. Former Samburu County Governor Moses Lenolkulaal and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu were also found guilty of graft.
Last month, Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison or ordered to pay a fine of Ksh53.5 million for irregularly awarding tenders. Additionally, he was sentenced to serve five years in jail or pay a fine of Ksh2.5 million, plus a mandatory fine of Ksh51 million.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Waithaka highlights the government’s efforts to fight corruption in Kenya. As more leaders face legal action, the judiciary continues to hold public officials accountable for misusing public funds.
Former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka Sentenced to Two Years for Corruption
