![Justice Korir, in his verdict, said he could not stop a Judicial process that is being undertaken by a competent judge of the High Court. [PHOTO | FILE]](https://k24.digital/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/WAITITU.jpg)
By Franklin Macharia
Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been allowed one day to go and collect his belonging from the county headquarters.
High Court judge Grace Ngenye on Thursday, August 8, quashed Waititu’s plea seeking to be allowed to access his office despite the county chief facing graft charges in court.
Justice Ngenye reiterated Justice Mumbi Ngugi’s directive that blocks governors from actively running the county affairs when they are charged in court for criminal offences.
“Why would the rest [of the governors charged with graft] be barred [from office], and not Waititu?” posed Justice Ngenye.
“In as much as Waititu remains innocent until proven guilty, it would be a mockery to the people of Kiambu if he is allowed to continue working from his office; absurdity would reign if the court allowed him to go back to the office,” said the judge.
The court ruled that Waititu be allowed one day to pick his belonging from the governor’s office, and, thereafter, “must keep away from the county offices”.
The day he will go for his belonging is yet to be communicated, though the court directed that an EACC officer accompanies him.
Justice Ngenye further stated that the Ksh15 million cash bail slapped on Waititu was “appropriate”.
Waititu’s lawyer Tom Ojienda said his client will file an appeal at the appellate court to challenge Justice Ngenye’s ruling barring the governor from accessing his office.
Waititu had moved to the High Court seeking to have his bail term reduced and the edict blocking him from office until his graft case is determined be lifted.
Waititu allegedly conspired with other senior county officials to embezzle Ksh588 million in the guise of road development projects.
