The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested six former sports officials and contractors over the alleged irregular award and payment of a Ksh1.5 billion tender issued in connection with preparations for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The six were arrested on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following investigations into a contract involving the supply and installation of security, access control, communication, audio-visual and pitch lighting systems at various stadia across Kenya.
According to the EACC, the contract was worth USD 15.89 million, approximately Ksh1.5 billion, and was awarded in 2017 by the then State Department for Sports Development under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts. The tender was awarded to Auditel Kenya, a Spanish company registered in Kenya.
Investigators established that the company received an advance payment of USD 3.15 million, equivalent to approximately Ksh330 million, despite allegations that the procurement process did not comply with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. The company later failed to meet its contractual obligations, leading to what the anti-graft agency described as a loss of Ksh330 million in public funds.
Funds Allegedly Moved Through Several Entities
The EACC said its investigations further established that the funds were transferred through several entities in an alleged attempt to conceal their source and facilitate their movement back into Kenya. After completing its investigations, the commission forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The DPP subsequently approved the prosecution of public officials, company directors and other individuals linked to the alleged irregular transaction. The suspects are facing charges including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, unlawful acquisition of public property, money laundering and abuse of office.
Those arrested include:
- Amb. Peter Kirimi Kaberia, former Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Development.
- Stephen Njoroge Muthuma, Senior Principal Finance Officer at the Ministry of Education.
- John Kiende Ruga, Sports Kenya Senior Superintendent Engineer.
- Samuel Mbaa Njoroge, tax adviser and partner at Taxwise Africa Consulting LLP.
- Enock Ondwari Onditi, former Principal Accountant at the State Department for Sports Development.
- Anthony Mwangi Kimathi, former employee of Instalaciones Inabensa SA.
The six are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani in Nairobi.
Four Others Directed to Surrender
The EACC has also directed four other individuals linked to the investigation to present themselves immediately at the Integrity Centre or the nearest EACC office. They are Harun Komen Chebet, former Sports Department director of administration; Marcos Gonzalez Puente, director of Auditel Ingenieria Y Servicios; Kitheka Muema, former Football Kenya Federation audit committee member; and Ephraim Muchangi Kinyua, an automobile business consultant. Meanwhile, the commission has initiated civil proceedings seeking the recovery and forfeiture of public funds and assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of crime arising from the matter.
