DPP Approves Charges Against Former Sports PS, 9 Other Suspects

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has approved graft-related charges against former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kirimi Kaberia and nine other suspects over alleged misappropriation of Ksh330 million allocated for hosting the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Kaberia will be charged alongside four former government officials and five businessmen.

The other suspects include: Stephen Njoroge Muthuma, Harun Chebet Komen, Enock Ondwari Onditi, John Kiende Ruga, Marcos Gonzalez Puente, Samuel Mbaa Njoroge, Kitheka Muema, Anthony Mwangi Kimanthi and Ephrahim Kinyua Muchangi. 

According to the ODPP, the suspects misappropriated funds that had been allocated for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 CHAN tournament.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved graft-related charges against former Sports Principal Secretary, Amb. Peter Kirimi Kaberia, alongside four former government officials and five businessmen, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Ksh.330 million allocated for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN),” read the statement. 

The ODPP also noted that five companies will be charged in connection with the alleged financial misconduct. 

The companies include: Auditel Kenya, Taxwise Consulting Limited, Restea Enterprises Limited, Lease Pride Limited, Leasepath Limited and Liroma Assurance. 

The charges follow investigations conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), whose inquiry file was submitted to the prosecution office for review and guidance.

Following an independent evaluation of the evidence, DPP Ingonga determined that there were sufficient grounds to prosecute the suspects and companies involved.

“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 include. 

The suspects will face charges of abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property and failure to comply with procurement laws.

They will also be charged with acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial misconduct.

This comes days after six Nakuru County officials were charged in connection with alleged irregular procurement of land valued at Ksh 50 million. 

In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, the ODPP said the funds had been set aside for the acquisition of land for the construction of a health centre in Bahati Sub-County.

“Six individuals have been charged over the alleged irregular procurement of land valued at Ksh50 million for the construction of a health centre in Umoja Lanet Ward, Bahati Sub-County, Nakuru County,” read part of the statement.

The suspects include: Chief Officer, Department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning and Accounting Officer Judyleah Gathoni Waihenya, Acting Director, Supply Chain Management Services Samuel Wachira Gachigi, and Departmental Accountant, Ann Wangui Muya. 

Others are Senior Physical Planner Jane Karungari Muriuki and Deputy Director, Administration Sammy Munga Nyagah and Samuel Githure Maina. 

Five of the suspects were arraigned on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The sixth accused person is expected to take plea at a later date.

The court released the five suspects on a bond of Ksh2 million with one surety of a similar amount, with an alternative cash bail of Ksh250,000.