Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has resurfaced in public after his release from prison, making a surprise appearance at the 2026 edition of the Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha.

In a viral video seen by TNX Africa, the former county boss is seen smiling and waving at fans who recognised him among thousands of spectators attending the high-profile motorsport event in the Great Rift Valley.

Dressed in a green and white floral shirt paired with black trousers, Waititu walked to a board where rally attendees had been leaving signatures and added his name, marking his first public appearance since leaving prison.

Waititu spotted in Naivasha! pic.twitter.com/hfSzeuI4P5

— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) March 14, 2026

Waititu secured his release from custody on March 5, 2026, after the Milimani High Court reviewed and reduced the bail conditions that had initially kept him behind bars.

His defence team had argued that the earlier bail terms — which exceeded Sh50 million — were too steep to meet. The court later revised the terms, lowering the cash bail to Sh20 million.

In addition to the cash bail, the court ordered that two sureties provide property documents worth at least Sh30 million each as guarantees.

The adjustment of the bond terms paved the way for the veteran politician to walk free while his high-profile corruption case continues in court.

Waititu is facing legal troubles linked to a Sh588 million road tender scandal dating back to his time as Kiambu governor.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the politician, his wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u, and several associates were convicted in 2025 on multiple charges connected to the controversial procurement deal.

In a statement on its website, the anti-graft agency said the Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki found Waititu guilty of conflict of interest.

The court also ruled that Waititu and his company, Saika Two Estate Developers, were involved in dealing with suspect property linked to payments from a contractor that had been irregularly awarded a county road tender.

According to the EACC, the former governor allegedly obtained Sh25.6 million indirectly from the contractor, Testimony Enterprises Limited, while still serving in office.

Waititu’s unexpected appearance at the globally recognised rally sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans online.

Some social media users questioned the public reception he received just days after leaving prison.

One Instagram user, Mak Kraken, wrote:

“We glorify corruption a bit too much. Huyu si ametoka jela juzi.”

Another commenter, Mackenzie, added:

“The system arrests the poor only.”

User Muthomi Mwenda echoed similar sentiments, writing:

“Mwizi mdogo anasnatch simu anachomwa alafu mwizi wa millions mnamcelebrate.”

Despite the criticism, the former governor appeared relaxed at the rally, mingling with spectators as the high-octane event drew thousands of motorsport fans from across Kenya and beyond.