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Baba Yao’s 12-year sentence exposes Kenya’s fight against corruption

From power to prison: How Baba Yao’s fall reveals Kenya’s shifting stance on corruption. His appeal could redefine justice for the elite.

This image consists of a man wearing a black suit is standing in front of the podium and talking in...
This image consists of a man wearing a black suit is standing in front of the podium and talking in a mic. And we can see the papers on the podium. In the background, there is a black board on which there is a text.

Baba Yao’s 12-year sentence exposes Kenya’s fight against corruption

Ferdinand Waititu, also known as Baba Yao, has spent months in jail after a conviction for corruption. A former governor of Kiambu, he now faces a 12-year sentence unless his appeal succeeds. His case has drawn attention to how high-profile figures navigate legal battles in Kenya.

Baba Yao’s time behind bars revealed the limits of his influence. Friends ignored his calls, while visitors only came seeking money to ‘negotiate’ his release. Instead of relying on informal deals, he pursued a formal legal route.

Baba Yao’s 12-year term remains in place unless his appeal changes the outcome. His frozen assets and failed attempts to buy influence highlight the consequences of corruption. The case continues to serve as a legal benchmark for accountability in Kenya.

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