EACC Targets FKF’s Nick Mwendwa, Ex-PS Kaberia in Sh1.5bn CHAN 2018 Scandal Arrest
Former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia and Federation of Kenya Football (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa are among the officials recommended for prosecution due to the alleged embezzlement of over Sh330 million allocated for the improvement of various stadiums in preparation for Kenya’s unsuccessful bid to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in its quarterly report, recommended charging Mr. Kaberia, Mr. Mwendwa, Mr. Stephen Muthuma (Chief Finance Officer), Mr. Harun Chebet Komen (Director of Administration), and Mr. Enock Onditi (Principal Accountant) with conspiracy to commit corruption.
Additional officials from the Ministry of Culture and Arts, as well as senior officials at Sports Kenya, including Mr. John Kiende Ruga and Mr. Marcos Gonzalez Puente, a director at Auditel Kenya, may also be charged if the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga concurs with the EACC.
Kenya was awarded the right to host CHAN in 2014, but the rights were later revoked due to inadequate preparation.
The event was subsequently hosted by Morocco from January 13 to February 4, 2018.
The EACC reported that it investigated the Sh1.5 billion tender process for the installation and supervision of security, access control, communications, audio-visual, and pitch lighting systems for five stadiums designated for the event.
The commission stated that its investigations revealed that Auditel Kenya was paid a total of Sh330.5 million for services that were not provided.
Last year, Kenya secured the rights to host CHAN this year and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by submitting a joint bid with neighboring countries Uganda and Tanzania.
Plans are currently in place to renovate Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, and Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret, among other stadiums.
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The EACC’s report recommended that Mr. Kaberia, Mr. Komen, and Mr. Onditi face additional charges of financial misconduct and deliberate failure to adhere to procurement laws.
The Commission further recommended that Mr. Mwendwa, Restea Limited, and its director Mr. Muema Kitheka be charged with money laundering.
The report also suggested that Leasepride Limited and its director Antony Mwangi Kimathi, Leasepath Limited and its director Ephraim Kinyua Muchangi, and Restea Enterprises Limited and its director Kitheka be charged with unlawful acquisition of proceeds from crime.
Auditel Kenya and its director Mr. Puente will face charges of unlawful acquisition of public property if the DPP agrees with the EACC’s findings.
The EACC stated, “Financial investigations established that after Auditel Kenya was paid, Sh25,682,893.56 was transferred to Restea Enterprises (Restea).”
Restea allegedly transferred the money to individuals associated with Mr. Mwendwa, Leasepath Ltd, and Leasetrade Ltd.
“The Directors of Restea, Leasepath Ltd, Leasetrade Ltd, and the FKF President knowingly engaged in a scheme to receive money from Auditel Kenya with the intent to conceal,” the report asserted.
The EACC indicated that it had compiled the report and forwarded it with recommendations to the DPP on January 8.
EACC Targets FKF’s Nick Mwendwa, Ex-PS Kaberia in Sh1.5bn CHAN 2018 Scandal Arrest
