After calling in sick, for months, former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu Monday appeared in court for the hearing of a Sh588 million graft case against him.
The former governor had skipped court three times prompting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to contemplate having his bond cancelled and have him re-arrested
Senior principal magistrate Thomas Nzioki had last week ordered the former governor to present himself at the Kenyatta National Hospital for medical examination.
He had also directed the Kenya Media Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) to appoint three doctors to examine the politician and deliver feedback to the court.
A medical examination on Waititu has recommended laboratory and imaging tests to evaluate his current state of health. The test includes a Covid-19 test, a high-resolution CT scan of the chest as well as a total blood count.
Doctors who examined him have invited Dr Jackson Atina of the Kenyatta national hospital respiratory and infectious disease unit to evaluate his chest symptoms which they say are predominant.
The former governor was on July 29 last year charged with fraud, conflict of interest, dealing with suspect property, money laundering and abuse of office. He was charged alongside his wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u and eight others.
Waititu was subsequently impeached by the Kiambu County Assembly, a verdict that was upheld by the Senate in January 2020 despite allegations of flawed county assembly proceedings.
The hearing of the graft case against Waititu failed to kick off on August 31 when the court was told he was sick and hospitalized.
Trial magistrate Thomas Nzioki approved an application by Waitutu’s lawyer to have the matter adjourned until October 26, 27, 28 and 29 to give him time recover.
