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The multi-billion shilling scandal within the State Department for Sports has taken a new twist after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) conducted major raids targeting senior officials suspected of embezzling Ksh3.8 billion in public funds.
The investigations are part of a wider probe into deep-rooted corruption that has long crippled operations in the sports sector and drained resources meant for athletes and youth development.
Counties Affected by the Operations
According to reports from Nyakundi Report, EACC officers carried out coordinated operations across several counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki.The raids targeted homes and offices of top ministry officials and private businesspeople believed to have played a role in the grand theft.
Senior Officials and Companies Under Investigation
Those under investigation include a Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports, a Deputy Accountant General in the Ministry of ASALs and Regional Development, an accountant within the State Department for Sports, and several directors of private travel companies allegedly used as fronts for money laundering.
Initial findings show that the suspects colluded to steal billions through fraudulent procurement deals and fake tenders involving travel and logistics firms.
These companies are said to have received inflated payments for services such as athlete travel, accommodation, and international event logistics.
The contracts were allegedly created to drain government funds under the guise of supporting national sports programs.
The investigation also revealed that some of the payments were routed through multiple accounts before being withdrawn and invested in personal assets such as real estate and luxury vehicles.
EACC Seizes Cash and Property During Raids
During the raids, EACC recovered Ksh3.58 million in cash, several land title deeds, and high-end vehicles suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of corruption.
Officials said the items seized would form part of the evidence in the ongoing case, which could lead to both asset recovery and prosecution once investigations conclude.
The operation marks one of the biggest anti-graft actions within the Sports Ministry in recent years and is viewed as a significant move in tackling long-standing economic crimes in government departments.
Charges and Timeline of the Offences
EACC stated that the suspects face charges of unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, and economic crimes.
The alleged offences reportedly took place during the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years.Investigators are also tracing the flow of funds through different companies to uncover how the money was distributed among officials and their associates.
More Arrests Expected as Probe Widens
The commission has hinted at further arrests as it works to dismantle what it describes as an entrenched corruption network that has thrived under the cover of legitimate sports operations.
This probe adds to growing concerns over accountability in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, where several scandals have emerged over the years. Billions meant to support national teams and infrastructure projects have often been lost through fake contracts and poor oversight.
EACC has reaffirmed its commitment to recover public funds and hold powerful figures accountable, signaling a renewed push against corruption in one of Kenya’s most mismanaged sectors.
