Embattled Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife Susan Ndung’u have failed to post bail.
Mr Waititu has been taken to Industrial Area Remand Prison while his spouse will brave the cold night at the Lang’ata Women’s Prison.
The couple failed to raise Sh15 million (Waititu) and Sh4 million (Susan) cash bail to secure their freedom.
In the alternative, they were to submit Sh30 million and Sh4 million bonds respectively.
The two were charged on Monday over Sh588 million irregular tender alongside eight other people implicated in the procurement law violation.
The Anti-Corruption Court in granting bail to the county officials implicated in the irregular roads tender, ordered all of the them from setting foot in the Kiambu County offices.
In addition, they were also ordered to deposit their travel documents with the court as well as not to directly or indirectly contact the witnesses.
Following the ruling barring the governor from office, there was debate on social media whether the magistrate implied that the deputy governor, James Nyoro, is in charge of the county affairs.
Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi concurred with a ruling issued by High Court that county bosses charged with economic crimes be barred from their offices until their cases are heard and determined.
“I concur with the remarks of Justice Mumbi Ngugi when she rhetorically questioned ‘how effective is the prosecution of such state officers be when their subordinates who are likely to be witnesses are under the direct control of indicted officers?’” said Mr Mugambi.
Hours after the court ruling on blocking the governor from his office for duration of his trial, Waititu’s deputy, James Nyoro, called for a Cabinet meeting to be followed a press conference.
