Waititu: The Rise and Fall of a Political Giant

Ferdinand Ndung'u Waititu, better known as Baba Yao, was a charismatic and controversial figure in Kenyan politics. His journey from humble beginnings to the heights of power was marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of office. In this article, we take a closer look at the life and times of Waititu, exploring the factors that contributed to his rise and ultimate downfall.
Waititu was born in the slums of Kibera, Nairobi, on January 1, 1962. Despite facing poverty and adversity, he managed to pursue his education, earning a degree in business management. After working for several years in the private sector, he entered politics in 2007, winning a seat in the National Assembly.
Waititu quickly rose through the ranks of the Jubilee Party, becoming a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta. In 2016, he was elected as the second governor of Kiambu County. His tenure in office was marked by ambitious infrastructure projects, but it was also plagued by accusations of corruption.
In 2018, Waititu was arrested on corruption charges related to the awarding of a multi-million dollar tender for the construction of a new county headquarters. He was later released on bail, but the case continued to overshadow his governorship.
As the 2019 general elections approached, Waititu faced growing pressure to step down. His popularity had waned, and he was viewed as a liability for the Jubilee Party. In January 2020, he was finally impeached by the Kiambu County Assembly on charges of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the constitution.
Waititu's downfall was a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding public officials accountable. It also highlighted the ongoing struggle against corruption in Kenya.
In the wake of his impeachment, Waititu remained defiant, vowing to clear his name and return to politics. However, his political career was effectively over. He was later sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption, a fitting end to a once-promising career.
Waititu's story is a complex one, filled with both triumphs and failures. His rise to power was a testament to his charisma and political acumen, but his downfall was a consequence of his own actions. He will be remembered as a controversial figure who left an indelible mark on Kenyan politics.