FKF’s Nick Mwendwa grilled at DCI over funds’ expenditure

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa addresses the media after the Special General Meeting held at a Nairobi hotel on January 28, 2020. [Photo/Stafford Ondego/Standard]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa was on Thursday grilled at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)  headquarters over claims of embezzlement of funds during his tenure at the federation.

Mwendwa was summoned to respond to questions on claims of spending of Sh244 million for Harambee Stars’ participation at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019.

Officials said he was accompanied by federation officials when he arrived there at about 9 am. There was a complaint from the Ministry of Sports over how the funds were spent that prompted the questioning.

For instance, the complaint sought to know how money was spent on the Outside Broadcast equipment which was leased from a company that went into administration months after receiving about Sh125 million from FKF.

The detectives also sought clarification on the players’ bonuses, officials aware of the probe said.

Former Principal Secretary for Sports Peter Kaberia, now in the Ministry of Mining was in the past questioned by the same team at the DCI. He is said to be among the complainants in the issue.

Officials aware of the probe said it has been ongoing and they are in final stages of the exercise. The file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with various recommendations for action. Mwendwa did not respond to our queries regarding his questioning.

Mwendwa’s tenure at FKF ended on 10 February 2020 but he has maintained he is still in office until a new president is elected despite a ruling by the Sports Disputes Tribunal finding that the term of the National Executive Committee which he was part of (according to article 37 (a) of the FKF Constitution 2017) had ended.

A ruling on whether or not he is in contempt of the tribunal and the way forward for the controversial FKF elections is expected.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 3 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known