Former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kirimi Kaberia and nine other individuals are set to face graft charges over the alleged misappropriation of Sh330 million allocated for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved the prosecution of the former senior government official alongside four other former Ministry of Sports officials and five businessmen following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Five companies have also been listed for prosecution over the alleged financial misconduct.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the EACC investigation file was submitted for review and guidance before the DPP independently evaluated the evidence and determined that there were sufficient grounds to prosecute the suspects and companies.
Those listed for prosecution include Kaberia, formerly the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports; Stephen Njoroge Muthuma, a Senior Principal Finance Officer in the ministry; Harun Chebet Komen, former Director of Administration; Enock Ondwari Onditi, a Principal Accountant; and John Kiende Ruga, a Senior Superintendent Engineer.
The businessmen named in the case are Marcos Gonzalez Puente, director of Auditel Kenya; Samuel Mbaa Njoroge, director of Taxarise Consulting Limited; Kitheka Muema, director of Restea Enterprises Limited; Anthony Mwangi Kimanthi, director of Lease Pride Limited; and Ephrahim Kinlua Muchangi, director of Leasepath Limited.
The companies named in the prosecution are Auditel Kenya, Taxwise Consulting Limited, Restea Enterprises Limited, Lease Pride Limited, Leasepath Limited and Liroma Assurance.
The suspects are expected to face several charges, including abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, failure to comply with procurement laws, acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial misconduct.
The Sh330 million in question was allocated for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 CHAN tournament, which was eventually moved from Kenya after the country was deemed unprepared to host the continental competition.
The prosecution follows a lengthy investigation into the use of funds set aside for preparations for the tournament.
The ODPP said its decision to approve the charges followed a thorough evaluation of the evidence gathered by the anti-corruption agency.
The suspects will now be required to appear in court to answer to the charges. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
The case adds to a series of corruption prosecutions involving former senior government officials and public funds allocated to major national projects and events.
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