November 5, 2025 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a massive operation targeting senior officials at the State Department for Sports following shocking allegations of the unlawful acquisition of KES 3.8 billion in public funds. The sweeping raid, carried out today, November 5, 2025, marks one of the most significant anti-graft crackdowns in Kenya’s sports sector in recent years.
According to an official statement from the EACC, detectives executed court-approved search warrants at the residences and offices of the officials and several private individuals believed to have played a key role in the multi-billion-shilling scandal. The searches, which were conducted in Nairobi, Nanyuki, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nyeri Counties, yielded a treasure trove of evidence pointing to a complex web of corruption, procurement fraud, and abuse of office.
🔍 High-Ranking Officials Under the Microscope
The anti-graft agency has identified five key individuals as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation:
- Caroline Muthoni Kariuki – Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports
- Otis Mutwiri Nturibi – Deputy Accountant General, ASALs & Regional Development
- David Muasya Musau – Accountant, State Department of Sports
- Dickson Kibunyi Mahia – Director, Turkenya Tours & Safaris Limited and Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited
- Maureen Wangui Wambugu – Director, Smart Flows Travel Limited
The EACC suspects that these individuals colluded to embezzle billions of shillings earmarked for sports development projects during the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years. The funds, according to investigators, were allegedly siphoned off through fraudulent procurement deals, inflated invoices, and diversion of public money into private investments.
💰 Staggering Wealth Unearthed
During today’s operation, EACC officers uncovered vast amounts of wealth believed to have been acquired through corrupt means. Among the seized assets were:
- KES 5,460,000 in cash
- Investments worth KES 597 million in government securities
- Thirteen (13) luxury motor vehicles
- Twenty-eight (28) landed properties spread across various counties
- Thirty-seven (37) bank accounts under investigation
Sources within the commission revealed that the recovery of such significant financial evidence has strengthened the case against the suspects, who are alleged to have lived lavish lifestyles far beyond their known legitimate incomes.
⚖️ Suspects Interrogated at Integrity Centre
Following the early morning raids, the suspects were escorted to the EACC Headquarters at Integrity Centre for intensive questioning and statement recording. The commission confirmed that upon the completion of investigations, appropriate legal action will be taken, including prosecution of any culpable persons and recovery of unexplained wealth.
“The Commission will pursue the recovery of proceeds of corruption and hold all responsible parties accountable,” an EACC spokesperson stated, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within public institutions.
🏛️ A Blow to Kenya’s Sports Sector
This revelation comes at a time when the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been under increasing scrutiny over financial mismanagement and poor accountability in the use of public funds. Insiders say the ongoing probe may expose deeper systemic corruption networks within the department, potentially affecting ongoing national sports programs and infrastructure projects.
Analysts warn that such scandals not only undermine public trust but also cripple Kenya’s ability to nurture and support sporting talent. “Every shilling lost through corruption is a lost opportunity for a young athlete,” remarked a sports policy expert who spoke to K47 Digital News on condition of anonymity.
🧩 How the Scam Was Allegedly Orchestrated
Preliminary findings suggest that some of the funds meant for sports development and regional activities were channeled through travel agencies linked to the accused officials. Companies such as Turkenya Tours & Safaris Limited, Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited, and Smart Flows Travel Limited were allegedly used to generate fictitious invoices and payments for non-existent services.
Investigators are examining transactions that point to massive overpricing and payment for ghost services, especially in sports events and foreign travel arrangements. The pattern reportedly mirrors similar corruption schemes previously exposed in other government departments, where private companies were used as conduits to launder public funds.
🚨 The Road Ahead
The EACC has emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no one will be spared, regardless of their position or political affiliation. The agency is now expected to work closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure swift and fair prosecution of any individuals found culpable.
If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and forfeiture of unlawfully acquired assets.
🇰🇪 Public Reaction
News of the massive KES 3.8 billion scandal has sparked outrage across social media, with Kenyans demanding accountability and faster action. Many have criticized the recurring misuse of public funds in government departments, especially in sectors meant to empower youth and sports development.
“This is shameful. Sports funding should uplift athletes, not enrich corrupt officials,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “Until real jail time is served for corruption, these scandals will never stop.”
As the EACC continues to piece together the intricate details of the scandal, Kenyans are watching closely to see if justice will finally be served in what could become one of the most consequential anti-corruption cases of 2025.
