Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is facing a Sh588 million corruption case, was hospitalized on Sunday after collapsing at his home.
His lawyer John Swaka told a Nairobi court on Monday that Waititu was admitted to Aga Khan Hospital and could not attend the hearing.
He said he would present the medical records to prove his client’s condition on Tuesday.
FORMER KIAMBU Governor Ferdinand Waititu fails to appear in court over hearing of Sh588 million graft case, lawyer says he collapsed at home. pic.twitter.com/J1OlQaOOVb
— TheStarBreaking (@TheStarBreaking) June 5, 2023
Waititu, also known as Baba Yao, served as the second governor of Kiambu County from 2016 to January 2020.
He was impeached by the Senate on charges of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Court documents show that Waititu is accused of irregularly awarding tenders worth millions of shillings to companies associated with him and his family.
The politician has denied the charges and challenged his impeachment in court.
He has also expressed interest in running for Nairobi governor in the upcoming by-election.
However, due to his pending graft case, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has barred him from contesting.
The hearing of Waititu’s case was adjourned to Tuesday when his lawyer is expected to produce the medical documents showing that he is in hospital.
The prosecution has asked the court to issue a warrant of arrest for Waititu if he fails to appear.
The case is being heard by Magistrate Thomas Nzioki.
