Former Sports Permanent Secretary (PS) Peter Kaberia and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa are recommended for prosecution over the alleged loss of more than Ksh 330 million meant for upgrading stadiums for Kenya’s failed bid to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recommended that Mr. Kaberia, Mr. Mwendwa, Stephen Muthuma (Chief Finance Officer), Harun Chebet Komen (Director of Administration), and Enock Onditi (Principal Accountant) be charged with conspiracy to commit corruption.Other officials from the Ministry of Culture and Arts and senior officials at Sports Kenya, including John Kiende Ruga and Marcos Gonzalez Puente, a director at Auditel Kenya, may also face charges if the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga agrees with the EACC.Kenyan football stakeholders raise alarm over FKF election crisis and potential FIFA suspensionKenya won the bid to host CHAN in 2014 but was stripped of the rights due to lack of preparation. Morocco hosted the event from January 13 to February 4, 2018.##NAJAVA_MECA_8109802##The EACC investigated the Ksh 1.5 billion tender process for security, access control, communications, audio-visual, and pitch lighting systems for five stadiums. It found that Auditel Kenya was paid Ksh 330.5 million for services not rendered.Last year, Kenya secured the rights to host CHAN this year and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania. Renovations are planned for Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, and Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret, among others.The EACC recommended that Mr. Kaberia, Mr. Komen, and Mr. Onditi face additional charges of financial misconduct and failing to comply with procurement laws. It also recommended charging Mr. Mwendwa, Restea Limited and its director Mr. Muema Kitheka with money laundering.Leasepride Limited and its director Antony Mwangi Kimathi, Leasepath Limited and its director Ephraim Kinyua Muchangi, and Restea Enterprises Limited and its director Kitheka are also recommended for charges of unlawful acquisition of proceeds of crime.Auditel Kenya and its director Mr. Puente could face charges of unlawful acquisition of public property if the DPP agrees.The EACC report detailed that after Auditel Kenya was paid, Ksh 25,682,893.56 was transferred to Restea Enterprises, which allegedly transferred money to associates of Mr. Mwendwa, Leasepath Ltd, and Leasetrade Ltd. The report states that the directors of these companies, along with the FKF President, knowingly arranged to receive money from Auditel Kenya with intent to conceal.FKF Election Bombshell: Sports Registrar rules Nick Mwendwa ineligible for re-runThe EACC compiled the report and forwarded it with recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on January 8.
