EACC Seizes Millions In Raid Targeting Ministry Of Sports Officials' Homes In 5 Locations

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has ramped up its anti-graft efforts in the sports sector with a major operation targeting top officials at the State Department for Sports over allegations of illegally obtaining KSh3.8 billion through fraudulent procurement schemes.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission confirmed that it had executed court-approved search warrants across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki, seizing crucial evidence from the suspects’ homes and offices.

The operation represents one of the most extensive corruption crackdowns in the Ministry of Sports in recent years.

Talanta Plaza in Upperhill, Nairobi housing the Ministry of Sports offices. /PCS

Among those being investigated are Caroline Muthoni Kariuki, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports; Otis Mutwiri Ntubiri, Deputy Accountant General for ASALs and Regional Development; and David Muasya Musau, Accountant at the State Department of Sports.

Others include Dickson Kibunyi Mahia, Director of Turkenya Tours & Safaris Limited and Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited; and Maureen Wangui Wambugu, Director of Smart Flows Travel Limited.

According to the EACC, initial investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly diverted funds through irregular tenders awarded to travel and logistics companies linked to them.

The fraudulent scheme reportedly involved inflated invoices and payments for services that were never delivered, resulting in significant losses to public funds.

During the coordinated raids, EACC officers seized KSh3.58 million in cash, property title deeds, and high-end vehicles believed to have been purchased using proceeds of corruption.

EACC stated that these materials would serve as crucial evidence in tracking how the money was embezzled and laundered.

“The operation, which was pursuant to court orders, is part of ongoing investigations into the unlawful acquisition of KSh3,800,563,277 by senior officials during Financial Years 2020/2021 and 2025/2026,” the commission said.

This scandal adds to a series of corruption cases that have dogged the Ministry of Sports over the years. The 2016 Rio Olympics fiasco saw funds meant for athletes misappropriated, while a 2017 Auditor General’s report found that nearly half of the KSh1.7 billion allocated for the IAAF World Youth Championships was missing.

In 2018, the EACC also opened investigations into a KSh220 million irregular stadium upgrade deal for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

The commission said the current operation seeks to ensure accountability and recover stolen assets as part of its broader mission to restore integrity in Kenya’s sports sector.

“Upon completion of the inquiry, the outcome will inform appropriate action, including prosecution of any culpable persons and/or recovery of unexplained wealth or proceeds of corruption," added the commission.