Nick Mwendwa, former Sports PS Kaberia face prosecution over Sh1.5 billion 2018 CHAN funds

Sports PS Kirimi Kaberia and FKF President Nick Mwendwa addressing the media. IMAGE/ The Star

Nick Mwendwa, former Sports PS Kaberia face prosecution over Sh1.5 billion 2018 CHAN funds

Festus Chuma 20:00 - 17.05.2024

FKF president Nick Mwendwa and ex-PS Peter Kaberia face charges over Sh1.5bn 2018 CHAN corruption scandal.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa and former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia are among the key officials alleged to have embezzled funds meant for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

In its latest quarterly report, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has urged the prosecution of Mwendwa, Kaberia, and several other high-ranking officials for alleged involvement in corruption.

According to Nation, the report also implicates Stephen Muthuma (Chief Finance Officer), Harun Chebet Komen (Director of Administration), and Enock Onditi (Principal Accountant).

"Financial investigations established that after Auditel Kenya was paid, Sh25,682,893.56 was transferred to Restea Enterprises (Restea)," the EACC disclosed. 

Restea allegedly moved the money to individuals connected to Mwendwa, Leasepath Ltd, and Leasetrade Ltd. 

"The directors of Restea, Leasepath Ltd, Leasetrade Ltd, and the FKF President knowingly engaged in an arrangement to receive money from Auditel Kenya with the intent to conceal," the report added.

Should Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga concur with the EACC's findings, Mwendwa, Kaberia, and others will face legal charges. 

The EACC's investigation into the Sh1.5 billion tender process involved the commissioning and supervision of security, access control, communications, audio-visual, and pitch lighting systems for five stadiums intended for the event.

The report revealed that Auditel Kenya received Sh330.5 million for services that were never delivered. 

The EACC has recommended that Kaberia, Komen, and Onditi also face charges of financial misconduct and intentional failure to adhere to procurement regulations.

The findings further suggest that Mwendwa, Restea Limited, and its director Muema Kitheka be charged with money laundering. 

Kenya won the right to host the 2018 CHAN in 2014 but lost the privilege due to inadequate preparation. 

The tournament was subsequently hosted by Morocco from January 13 to February 4, 2018. 

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