The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its crackdown on corruption within Kenya’s sports sector, launching a major operation targeting senior officials at the State Department for Sports over allegations of fraudulently acquiring KSh3.8 billion through irregular procurement deals.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission confirmed that it had executed court-approved search warrants at various locations in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki, recovering key evidence from the suspects’ homes and offices.
Senior Officials Under Probe
Those under investigation include:
- Caroline Muthoni Kariuki, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports
- Otis Mutwiri Ntubiri, Deputy Accountant General, ASALs and Regional Development
- David Muasya Musau, Accountant, State Department of Sports
- Dickson Kibunyi Mahia, Director of Turkenya Tours & Safaris Ltd and Afromerch Travel Kenya Ltd
- Maureen Wangui Wambugu, Director of Smart Flows Travel Ltd
According to the EACC, preliminary findings show that the suspects allegedly channeled funds through travel and logistics firms linked to them, issuing inflated invoices and billing for services never rendered.
Millions in Cash, Luxury Cars, and Title Deeds Seized
During the coordinated dawn raids, detectives recovered KSh3.58 million in cash, title deeds for prime real estate, and high-end vehicles suspected to have been purchased using proceeds of corruption.
“The operation is part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability and recover stolen public assets,” the EACC statement read.
A Pattern of Corruption in the Sports Sector
The alleged scandal adds to a series of high-profile graft cases in the Ministry of Sports.
- In 2016, officials were implicated in the Rio Olympics scandal, where funds meant for athletes’ travel and welfare were embezzled.
- A 2017 Auditor General’s report revealed that half of the KSh1.7 billion allocated for the IAAF World Youth Championships could not be accounted for.
- In 2018, EACC opened investigations into a KSh220 million irregular stadium upgrade deal linked to the CHAN tournament.
EACC: Restoring Integrity in Sports Management
EACC emphasized that the ongoing probe seeks to restore public trust and integrity in Kenya’s sports institutions.
“We will continue to pursue individuals who abuse public office and recover stolen assets for the benefit of all Kenyans,” the agency stated.
The commission is expected to forward the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) once the inquiry is complete.
