Top 5 Today: Waititu Appeals His 12 Year Sentence and Other Headlines
Waititu and his accomplices are currently serving their sentences at Industrial Area Remand Prison after conclusion of their case.
His wife has since been set free after paying a Sh500,000 fine. His co-accused, former Kiambu County Chief Officer for Roads and Transport, Luka Mwangi Wahinya, and Charles Chege Mbuthia are still behind bars after failing to raise their fines.
Wahinya was fined KSh 21M or serve 7 years in prison while Chege was fined KSh 295M or get sentenced to 9 years in prison for receiving KSh 147M in public funds.
Waititu’s legal battle continues as he seeks to have the High Court overturn Judge Nzioki’s ruling. He is also requesting to be released on bail pending the determination of his appeal.
Raila Loses AUC Bid to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Hassan
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election took place on February 15, 2025, during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Youssouf secured the position after seven rounds of voting, obtaining the required 33 votes. Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, withdrew after the sixth round, where he had garnered 22 votes to Youssouf’s 26.
Following his victory, Youssouf expressed gratitude to President Ruto despite his support for Odinga. Youssouf stated, “I thank H.E. President William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory. He is the African champion for reforms.” He also conveyed his commitment to collaborating with Ruto to advance the continent’s agenda.
Raila Odinga conceded defeat gracefully, emphasizing the importance of strengthening democracy in Africa.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, 60, has been serving as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2005. His extensive diplomatic career includes roles such as Ambassador to Egypt and heading Djibouti’s Arab affairs department. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
Youssouf is set to be sworn in as the AUC Chairperson in March 2025, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad.
“I am deeply honored to be elected to lead the African Union Commission. I thank my fellow candidates, Raila Odinga and Richard Randriamandrato, for their dedication and vision. Together, we will work towards a united and prosperous Africa. I pledge to serve with integrity and commitment for the betterment of our continent.”
Baringo Senator William Kipkorir Cheptumo Passes Away at 57
Baringo Senator William Kipkorir Cheptumo has passed away at the age of 57. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed that Senator Cheptumo died on Sunday, February 16, 2025, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. The senator had been unwell and was discharged from the hospital on February 9 to recuperate at home, according to his colleagues.
President William Ruto mourned Cheptumo as a “progressive leader dedicated to public service,” highlighting his vocal and hardworking nature in championing the transformation of Baringo County.
Before joining senate, in 2022, Cheptumo served as the MP for Baringo North for 14 years. He had extensive experience in law and governance, and founded his own law firm, Cheptumo and Company Advocates.
The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Hamissa and Aziz Ki Wed in a Colorful Ceremony
Hamisa Mobetto, a Tanzanian model and socialite, has married Stephane Aziz Ki, a Burkinabe footballer playing for Young Africans SC. The couple’s wedding festivities began on February 15, 2025, with a traditional dowry ceremony where Aziz Ki presented 30 cows and an undisclosed amount of money as bride price.
The Nikkah, an Islamic marriage ceremony, took place on February 16, 2025, in Tanzania. During the event, Hamisa was visibly emotional, especially when Aziz bonded with her children, a moment that brought her to tears.
A grand reception is scheduled for February 17, 2025, followed by a white wedding on February 19, 2025. Hamisa’s mother, Shufaa Rutiginga, expressed her joy, stating that Aziz is a well-mannered and humble young man who came into her daughter’s life at the right time, fulfilling her prayers.
Hamisa Mobetto is singer Diamond Platnumz baby mama. She also has another child with Majizzo, the owner of E FM and E Radio in Tanzania.
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