Waititu admits buying multi-billion buildings in CBD amid reports of imminent arrest

July 9, 2018 1:23 PM

Interesting explanation

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Baba Yao has responded to social media reports that he was being investigated by the DPP over purchase of Sh1.8 billion property in Nairobi CBD through public funds.

A message widely shared on social media had claimed that the DPP was in the process of ordering Waititu's arrest after the Governor allegedly awarded contracts worth Sh573 million to members of his family including his wife and son.

However, the governor dismissed the reports, noting that no agency has grilled him in connection with any corruption-related matter.

He further told of his political opponents, whom he accused of spreading propaganda to depict him as corrupt.

Waititu admitted owning buildings in Nairobi CBD, but clarified that he had bought them long before he became governor.

He added that he had records to show that he was currently servicing the loan he had taken to build the property in question.

"Even as a governor, I have every right to take loans from banks as long as we qualify and buy whatever we wish to buy," the governor stated, adding that his current loan limit was capped at Sh5 billion.

The Kiambu County boss told residents that he was a man of means who "owned a Mercedes and a Range Rover vehicle" long before he joined politics.

Waititu joined politics in 2002 when he was elected a councillor in Njiru Ward, in then Embakasi Constitiuency.

He has since served as Embakasi MP, Water Assistant Minister, Kabete MP, and now as Kiambu Governor.