Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, on Monday, November 2, appeared in court over the Ksh58 million graft case after skipping 3 previous sessions.
Justice Thomas Nzioki said that the court would proceed with the proceedings despite the former governor's ailing condition as they awaited medical results on Friday November 6.
The office of the Director of Public Prosecution through Joseph Riungu had previously ruled that the governor ought to be tested by independent doctors to verify the authenticity of the documents presented in court by Waititu's private doctors.
"Following the ruling of October 28, 2020, in which the court allowed prosecution’s prayer that the first accused person be examined by three independent doctors appointed by Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board, we communicated the same information through a letter dated the same day to the CEO KNH Hospital, communicating the contents of the order,” said Riungu.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had expressed frustrations with regards to Waititu's no show antics after his bond was cancelled. This led to Haji contemplating having Waititu arrested for failing to appear in court.
Waititu's lawyer came out to defend his client, maintaining that he was ailing and was not in a position to appear in court.
"My client has been unwell. He went for check up on October 24, and was referred to the High Dependency Unit for admission at a hospital.
"He was admitted and is not ready to proceed with the case," Waititu's lawyer argued.
The prosecution, on Wednesday October 21, accused the former Jubilee politician of evading trial hence delaying the court case. The judge had also asked Waititu to undergo a mental assessment before the determination of his case. DPP also sought to have his lawyers compelled to provide his medical records.
"Let people attend hearings. I don’t want to hear adjournments. Don’t come and generate another medical opinion," the Magistrate stated.
Waititu and his wife Susan Wangari alongside 8 others have been charged in a corruption case over an alleged Ksh588 million tender that is said to have been awarded irregularly. The former governor was impeached following the case.
