NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kirimi Kaberia and five other suspects have pleaded not guilty to charges linked to the alleged misappropriation of Sh330 million during preparations for the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kaberia was arrested on Tuesday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alongside Stephen Njoroge, Harun Chebet Komen, Enock Ondwari and John Kiend Ruga before they were presented before Anti-Corruption Magistrate Isabella Barasa.
The accused face several charges arising from alleged irregular dealings involving public funds set aside for Kenya’s preparations to host the 2018 CHAN tournament.
They denied all the allegations when they appeared in court and, through their lawyers, asked to be released on reasonable and lenient bond terms.
Accused deny graft allegations
The prosecution alleges that the accused were involved in transactions through which public funds intended for CHAN preparations were irregularly handled.
The suspects face counts including abuse of office, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, unlawful acquisition of public property and money laundering.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and all six accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Their lawyers urged the court to grant them bail as the case proceeds, arguing that the suspects should be allowed to remain out of custody while preparing their defence.
The defence is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and the circumstances surrounding the alleged transactions during subsequent proceedings.
State seeks to summon more suspects and entities
The prosecution told the court that it intends to bring several additional individuals and companies before the Anti-Corruption Court in connection with the case.
The State asked the court to summon Marcos Gonzalez, Mwema Kitheka, Ephraim Muchangi and Anthony Mwangi at the next mention.
It also named LeasePride Limited, Samuel LLP, Taxwise Africa and Liroma Assurance among entities it wants brought before the court.
The prosecution is expected to provide further details on the alleged financial transactions and the roles attributed to the accused and other persons or entities as the case progresses.
The move suggests that investigators and prosecutors are pursuing a wider inquiry into how funds allocated for Kenya’s CHAN preparations were handled.
Sh330 million CHAN funds under scrutiny
The case centres on an alleged loss or irregular expenditure involving Sh330 million set aside during preparations for the 2018 CHAN tournament.
Kenya hosted the competition in 2018 after being selected to stage the tournament, with preparations involving various government agencies and contractors.
The prosecution’s case will have to establish how the funds were authorised, disbursed and ultimately used, as well as whether the accused persons personally benefited from or facilitated any unlawful transactions.
The court proceedings are expected to examine the documentation and financial records underlying the charges.
Kaberia and co-accused seek bail
Following their plea, the defence asked the court to consider reasonable bond terms for the accused.
The lawyers argued that the suspects should not remain in custody while the case is heard, subject to any conditions the court may impose.
The prosecution’s position on bond will be considered alongside the defence applications as the court determines how the accused will remain available for future proceedings.
The court will also consider the prosecution’s request to have additional individuals and entities appear in connection with the case.
Case follows EACC investigations
The charges follow investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which has been examining alleged financial irregularities involving public resources.
EACC investigations into suspected corruption and economic crimes can result in recommendations for prosecution where investigators establish sufficient grounds for criminal charges.
