Former Sports PS Kaberia Charged Over Sh330m CHAN Funds

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Former Sports Principal Secretary Amb. Peter Kirimi Kaberia and nine others are set to face graft-related charges over the alleged loss of Sh330 million meant for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against Mr Kaberia, four former Ministry of Sports officials and five businessmen after investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The case relates to Sh330 million allegedly paid under a Sh1.5 billion contract for the design, supply, testing, commissioning and supervision of security, access control, communications, audiovisual and pitch lighting systems for stadiums being prepared for CHAN 2018. Earlier investigations found that Auditel Kenya received about Sh330.5 million as advance payment.

The ODPP said the EACC inquiry file was submitted to the prosecution office for review before the decision to charge the suspects.

“The charges arise from investigations conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), whose inquiry file was submitted to the ODPP for review and guidance,” the ODPP said in a press statement.

The former officials named in the case are Mr Kaberia, former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports; Stephen Njoroge Muthuma, former Senior Principal Finance Officer; Harun Chebet Komen, former Director of Administration; Enock Ondwari Onditi, former Principal Accountant; and John Kiende Ruga, former Senior Superintendent Engineer.

The five businessmen are Marcos Gonzalez Puente, director of Auditel Kenya; Samuel Mbaa Njoroge, director of Taxwise 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 ODPP said it independently reviewed the evidence in the investigation file before approving the prosecution.

“Upon an independent and thorough evaluation of the evidence, the DPP has determined that sufficient grounds exist to prosecute the suspects and the companies involved,” the ODPP said.

The charges approved by the DPP include abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, failure to comply with procurement laws, acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial misconduct.

The companies to be charged are Auditel Kenya, Taxwise Consulting Limited, Restea Enterprises Limited, Lease Pride Limited, Leasepath Limited and Liroma Assurance.

The prosecution follows earlier action by the EACC over the transaction. In January 2026, the anti-graft agency filed a civil case seeking to recover Sh330.57 million allegedly paid to Auditel Kenya and its Spanish parent company under the stadium contract. The suit named Mr Kaberia, former Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa, and other officials and company directors.

The EACC said the procurement process was irregular, citing single-sourcing, missing tender documents, failure to obtain an approved purchase requisition and failure to comply with procurement safeguards. It also alleged that the contracted works were not delivered despite the advance payment.

An earlier Auditor-General’s report also found that Auditel Kenya received a 20 per cent advance payment of Sh330.54 million in January 2018. The audit said that by April 2019, only designs had been presented and no work related to the contract had started on the ground.

The ODPP said the prosecution was part of its mandate to protect public resources and promote accountability in public affairs.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public resources, promoting integrity, and ensuring accountability in the management of public affairs,” the office said.

The latest decision brings back the criminal aspect of the long-running controversy over Kenya’s preparations for CHAN 2018, after the country lost the hosting rights and the tournament was eventually held in Morocco.

The ODPP statement did not say when the suspects would appear in court. The accused will have a chance to respond to the allegations before the courts.

Approval of the charges by the DPP does not amount to a finding of guilt. The suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty in accordance with the law.