Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has been named as the new party leader of the Farmers Party.

In a gazette notice number 1887 dated Friday, February 14, 2025, Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu listed Waititu as the new party leader, taking over from Irungu Nyakera.

Apart from the change of officials, the party has also changed the physical location of its head office from Sifa Towers Suite along Lenana Road to Delta House, 5th Floor along University Way, Nairobi.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 20 (1) (c) and (e) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that Farmers Party intends to make changes as follows,” Nderitu said in the gazette notice before proceeding to name the list of former and current officials.

Farmers Party changes

Nderitu also announced changes in deputy leadership, with Brian Kigochi being replaced by John Wambugu in the policy and strategy department.

Nicholas Ikui remains the Deputy Party Leader for Resource Mobilization, while Thomas Omboga also retained his seat as the national chairperson.

The Registrar of Political Parties urged anyone with any reservations or complaints about the leadership changes to submit a written submission within seven days of the publication of the Gazette.

“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended changes by the political party shall within seven (7) days from the date of this publication make their written submissions to the Registrar of Political Parties. Further inquiries can be made through the Registrar’s Offices, P.O. Box 1131–00606, Lion Place, Waiyaki Way, 4th Floor from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m,” the gazette notice read.

The Farmers’ Party was founded by David Nduati, who passed away in 2022 after a short illness and was succeeded by Nyakera in February 2023.

The changes to the leadership of the party are, however, set to spark mixed reactions, given that Waititu is in court fighting a 12-year sentence that he was handed over Ksh588 million graft case.

Waititu appeals sentence

Waititu on Monday, February 17, 2025, moved to court through his lawyers to appeal against the 12-year prison term and the Ksh53.5 million fine. His lawyers said that he is detained at Nairobi Remand Home.

Apart from the sentence, the court barred Waititu from holding public office for a period of 10 years.

Waititu was also impeached during his first term as Kiambu County governor, which further raises more questions on his eligibility to vie for a political seat.