Former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia is among 10 people facing corruption charges over the alleged loss of Ksh330 million meant for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested six of the suspects on Tuesday after the Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against them and four businessmen.
The other former sports officials arrested include a former Senior Principal Finance Officer in the Ministry of Sports, a former Principal Accountant and a former Senior Superintendent Engineer at Sports Kenya.
The suspects are accused of offences including abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, failure to follow procurement laws, acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial misconduct.
EACC said the six were expected to be taken to the Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The DPP said the charges followed investigations carried out by EACC, whose file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review.
DPP Renson Ingonga said a review of the evidence found sufficient grounds to prosecute the suspects and five companies linked to the tender.
The four other individuals who have been named in the case were directed to report to EACC offices. Among them is a former member of the Football Kenya Federation audit committee.
The case relates to a Ksh1.5 billion contract awarded by the State Department for Sports Development in 2017, ahead of the 2018 CHAN tournament.
The contract was for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of security systems, pitch lighting and audio-visual networks at several stadiums that were to be used during the tournament.
According to EACC, investigators found that the tender had been awarded through single sourcing and did not meet the required procurement procedures.
The commission also said the contract lacked the required bidding security.
Investigators further found that Ksh330 million had been paid out despite the works not being carried out, supervised or completed, EACC said.
The commission had earlier moved to recover the money through a civil case filed several months ago, alleging that the payment arose from a fraudulent stadium tender.
The criminal case will now proceed before the Anti-Corruption Court, where the accused will have an opportunity to answer to the charges.