Embattled Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu today secured a release from remand on a Sh1million bail. The suspended Water and Irrigation assistant minister had been remanded in Kileleshwa police station pending determination on whether he could be released on bail. Senior magistrate Paul Biwott granted Waititu bail but directed him to present himself to Kayole police station. Waititu’s case will be heard on November 19.
Waititu is accused of inciting Kayole residents on Teusday. The Embakasi MP is on record as having said that all members of the Maasai community in Kayole should be expelled from the area. The remarks were made after Maasai guards allegedly killed a street boy who they accused of stealing a chicken. Following his statement, a Maasai guard was beaten by an irate mob and later died while receiving treatment.
On Wednesday Waititu had moved to court to obtain an order blocking his arrest and prosecution. His plea was however rejected by Justice Mumbi Ngugi. Additionally the DPP Keriako Tobiko is seeking to prefer murder charges against Waititu to add to the incitement to violence charges. If charged the lawmaker will have to relinquish his ministerial post and could face up to five years in prison.
