Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinard Waititu has been named the new leader of the Farmers Party, replacing Irungu Nyakera.

The Registrar of Political Parties confirmed the leadership changes, stating that Waititu now officially takes over the party’s leadership.

John Wambugu has been appointed as the Deputy Party Leader for Policy and Strategy, replacing Brian Kigochi. However, Nicholas Ikiu will retain his role as Deputy Party Leader in charge of Resource Mobilization. The party’s National Chairperson, Thomas Omboga, also remains in his position.

The leadership changes come as Waititu battles a 12-year jail sentence handed down by the Anti-Corruption Court on February 13.

The former governor, along with his wife Susan Wangari and their business associates, was convicted in a Sh588 million graft case involving conflict of interest. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of Sh53.5 million.

Waititu has since moved to the High Court, seeking to overturn the ruling and secure his release on reasonable bail and bond terms pending the appeal.

His lawyer, Danstan Omari, argues that the appeal has a high chance of success and that serving the sentence while it is pending would be unjust.

In his petition, Waititu claims that by the time the appeal is determined, he may have already served a significant portion of the sentence, making the process unfair.

Court documents state that the former governor is not a flight risk, given his long-standing political career and established residence in Kenya.

“The applicant has been actively engaged in politics for over 20 years, has a known permanent abode, and his nuclear family resides within the Republic of Kenya,” the petition reads.

Email your news TIPS to [email protected] or WhatsApp +254707482874