By Frankline Oduor | Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 1:55 PM

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been sentenced to 12 years in prison or fined Ksh53.5 million for corruption linked to irregular tender awards in 2018. His wife, Susan Wangare, was sentenced to one year or fined Ksh500,000.

Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki called the case a betrayal of public trust. “The accused enriched themselves while service delivery suffered,” he stated.

Other convicted officials include Luka Mwangi Wahinya, ex-Chief Officer for Roads, who faces two years in jail or a fine of Ksh1 million plus a mandatory Ksh20 million penalty. Testimony Enterprises Limited directors Charles Chege Mbuthia and Beth Wangeci Mburu were also jailed.

The court criticized forgery of academic documents, banning Waititu, his wife, and their co-accused from public office for ten years.

Leaders worldwide have faced similar fates. South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has been scrutinized for financial misconduct, while Donald Trump battles multiple legal cases. Kenyan politicians like Mike Sonko and Evans Kidero have also been caught in corruption scandals.

Waititu and his co-accused have 14 days to appeal, though the ruling signals a tough stance against graft.

Raila’s AU Hustle: The Ultimate Continental Chess Game

So, Raila Odinga is out here making moves, right? Dude’s gunning for the AUC chairmanship like it’s the last plate of nyama choma at a family barbecue. He’s been bouncing across Africa, shaking hands, locking in alliances—basically running a full-on diplomatic marathon.

The East African squad is mostly on his side, but let’s not kid ourselves—the AU isn’t some local chief’s endorsement; it’s a whole different beast. Egypt’s out here playing defense, throwing its weight behind Djibouti’s candidate, and Somalia? Well, let’s just say their support is looking shakier than a Jenga tower in an earthquake.

Then there’s the money situation. Campaigns like these don’t run on vibes alone, and when the cash flow gets tight, the game gets even trickier. But if there’s one thing Raila knows how to do, it’s surviving political turbulence—this guy’s taken more hits and comebacks than a championship boxer.

But make no mistake, this isn’t just about Raila; it’s Kenya flexing on the continental stage, proving it’s got the muscle to play in the big leagues. Whether he bags the seat or not, the country is making a statement. Still, let’s not act like Djibouti and Madagascar are just here for decoration—this race is tighter than Nairobi traffic on a Monday morning.

As the election clock ticks down, it’s about to get real. Will Raila pull off the ultimate checkmate, or is this another one of those “so close, yet so far” moments? Either way, one thing’s for sure—this is the kind of high-stakes drama that makes you forget your own problems for a hot second.

And after all this? Maybe Raila finally gets to kick back… or maybe he finds another mountain to climb. Either way, we’re all getting a front-row seat to a masterclass in continental hustling.

Joseph Ng’ang’a Muhatia: Missing, Forgotten, or Covered Up?

On December 18, 2024, the fire that consumed Modern Furniture Pacific in Ruiru was more than just a business tragedy—it became the backdrop of a chilling mystery. Joseph Ng’ang’a Muhatia, an employee at the store, disappeared without a trace that same day. Since then, conflicting narratives, missing evidence, and eerie silence from authorities have only deepened the uncertainty.

A Trail of Conflicting Stories

In the days following Joseph’s disappearance, two narratives emerged from close associates of Modern Furniture Pacific’s owner, Gibson Murage.

• Tajiri Mtoto claimed Joseph had fled to Uganda, but provided no proof—no bus ticket, no border crossing record, no phone call to family. Just words.
• Mbote Njogu, in a now-deleted video, revealed that police found a carcass inside the burned-out premises and took samples. However, there was never any confirmation whether the remains belonged to a dog or a human.

What Happened to the “Carcass”?

This is where the case takes an even more sinister turn.

1. What were the test results? If the police took samples, where is the forensic report?
2. Why was there no public disclosure? In an era where forensic evidence plays a crucial role in solving crimes, why was this potential clue treated with secrecy?
3. How was the carcass disposed of? Was it burned, buried, or discarded? And under whose authorization?
4. Did authorities follow standard procedure for disputed remains?

Standard Procedure for Disputed Remains

Ordinarily, when unidentified remains are found in a crime scene or fire, protocol dictates:

• DNA testing is conducted to confirm identity.
• If there is uncertainty, the remains are preserved until the investigation is complete.
• Families of missing persons are notified and given access to the investigation.
• Disposal happens only after conclusive forensic analysis.

None of these steps appear to have been followed in Joseph’s case. Why?

Cover-up, Accident, or Something Darker?

The silence from authorities raises three unsettling possibilities:

1. A Cover-up: Was Joseph’s disappearance inconvenient to someone powerful? Was the fire a distraction to erase evidence?
2. An Accident: Did Joseph get trapped in the fire, and was the carcass actually his remains—disposed of to avoid liability?
3. Something More Sinister: In recent years, Kenya has seen disturbing cases linked to cult activities. Could this be another case where unexplained disappearances are swept under the rug?

Who Will Give Joseph’s Family Closure?

Joseph’s family is left in agonizing uncertainty. If he is alive, why has he not reached out? If he is not, why is the truth being hidden?

This is not just about one man’s disappearance—it is about the integrity of our justice system. Who is responsible for ensuring that missing Kenyans are found? Who will guarantee that the truth is not buried under bureaucracy and silence?

Until Joseph’s fate is known, one question will not go away: Who is benefiting from his disappearance?