NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia and nine other individuals have been charged over the alleged misappropriation of Sh330 million allocated for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga approved the graft-related charges following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The accused include four former government officials and five businessmen, while five companies have also been charged in connection with the alleged financial misconduct.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Ingonga said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had independently reviewed the investigation file and determined that there were sufficient grounds to prosecute.
“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,” Ingonga stated.
Kaberia among former officials charged
Kaberia is among the former Ministry of Sports officials facing prosecution over the funds.
The other government officials charged include a former Senior Principal Finance Officer, Director of Administration, Principal Accountant and Senior Superintendent Engineer.
Five businessmen have also been charged alongside the former officials.
The ODPP said five companies were additionally included in the case over their alleged involvement in the financial transactions under investigation.
Charges include abuse of office and procurement offences
According to the DPP, the suspects face a range of corruption and financial-related charges.
The offences include abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, failure to comply with procurement laws, acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial misconduct.
Ingonga said the decision to prosecute followed an assessment of the evidence contained in the EACC investigation file.
The DPP said the prosecution would seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the allocation and use of the funds.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public resources, promoting integrity, and ensuring accountability in the management of public affairs,” Ingonga said.
The charges are allegations and have yet to be proved in court. The accused will have an opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case through the judicial process.
Sh1.5 billion CHAN stadium contract
The case stems from a Sh1.5 billion contract awarded by the State Department for Sports Development to Auditel Kenya in 2017.
The contract was intended to support Kenya’s preparations for the 2018 CHAN tournament through the design, supply, installation and commissioning of security systems, pitch lighting and audio-visual networks at various stadiums.
Kenya was preparing to host the continental football tournament, creating an urgent need to upgrade facilities and infrastructure at selected venues.
However, investigations later raised questions about how the contract was awarded and whether the work covered by the agreement was actually carried out.
EACC alleges procurement irregularities
The EACC investigation reportedly found that the contract had been single-sourced and that the procurement process lacked proper bidding security.
Investigators also alleged that standard procurement procedures had been bypassed in the award of the contract.
The anti-corruption agency subsequently raised questions over payments made under the agreement.
According to the findings cited in the case, Sh330 million was paid despite investigators establishing that no works were performed, supervised or completed under the contract.
The allegations form the basis of the recovery proceedings and the criminal charges now facing the former officials, businessmen and companies.
EACC had sought recovery of Sh330 million
The criminal case follows an earlier civil action by EACC seeking to recover the Sh330 million it alleges was unlawfully paid out under the stadium contract.
The recovery case was filed about seven months before the latest decision by the ODPP to approve criminal charges.
The parallel civil and criminal proceedings reflect the commission’s efforts to pursue both recovery of public funds and accountability for alleged wrongdoing.
The criminal case will now test the prosecution’s evidence against the former officials, businessmen and companies.
Former officials face court scrutiny
The prosecution of a former Principal Secretary and other senior officials places renewed focus on the management of public funds in government infrastructure projects.
The CHAN preparations involved significant public expenditure as Kenya sought to meet the infrastructure requirements for hosting the continental tournament.
The allegations raise questions over procurement oversight, contract management and verification of work before public funds are released.
However, the decision by the ODPP to charge the suspects does not amount to a finding of guilt.
The prosecution will be required to prove the alleged offences in court, while each accused person remains presumed innocent unless found guilty.
ODPP says evidence supports prosecution
The ODPP said its review of the EACC file was independent and thorough before the decision to prosecute was reached.
The development marks a new phase in a case that began with investigations into the stadium contract and subsequent efforts to recover the funds.
