EACC Raids FKF Offices in Ksh42 Million CHAN Insurance Scandal

EACC Raids FKF Offices in Ksh42 Million CHAN Insurance Scandal

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified investigations into the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following a high-profile visit to the federation’s headquarters at the Goal Project in Kasarani, Nairobi, over an alleged Ksh42 million insurance scandal linked to the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Tuesday, April 28, visit marks a significant development in a probe that has drawn national attention, with senior FKF officials, including President Hussein Mohammed and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gicheru, coming under scrutiny. The commission, however, sought to downplay the operation, clarifying that it was part of a routine investigative process.

“The commission’s presence at the FKF offices should not cause alarm. This is part of ongoing preliminary investigations,” EACC officials indicated, signalling that the exercise was focused on gathering and analysing documents rather than conducting a raid.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that investigators reviewed financial and administrative records linked to the CHAN tournament, amid concerns over the handling of funds allocated for insurance coverage during the continental competition. The Ksh42 million in question is believed to have been earmarked for insurance services, raising questions about procurement processes and accountability.

The developments come days after FKF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) moved to suspend Mohammed, Gicheru, and NEC member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim on April 24, citing allegations of financial impropriety. The suspensions triggered internal divisions within the federation, further complicating the situation.

Responding to the allegations, Mohammed firmly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that no funds were lost under his leadership. “FKF did not transfer or pay any money to any insurance company for CHAN competitions,” he stated during a press briefing, adding that all services were delivered in accordance with Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.

He further described the claims as politically motivated, suggesting they were part of a broader effort to undermine his reform agenda within the federation. “These allegations are part of a smear campaign aimed at destabilising the progress we have made,” Mohammed asserted.

The controversy has since attracted international attention, with the global football governing body FIFA stepping in to seek clarification on the suspensions. In a formal communication to FKF, FIFA requested detailed documentation outlining the basis of the disciplinary action, including evidence of due process.

“FIFA is closely monitoring the situation and expects a comprehensive report, including proof of quorum and fairness in the decision-making process,” the federation was instructed, with a deadline set for May 1.

Locally, the Ministry of Sports has distanced itself from the unfolding saga. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya stated that the government had not received any official communication regarding the allegations.

“As a ministry, we do not have anything formal before us. What we have seen are anonymous letters, and we cannot act on that,” Mvurya said, underscoring the ministry’s neutral stance.

Meanwhile, the High Court has intervened, granting Mohammed temporary relief by halting his removal from office pending the hearing and determination of his case. The ruling effectively maintains the status quo as legal and investigative processes continue.

The EACC probe is expected to delve deeper into financial transactions, procurement procedures, and compliance with public finance regulations within FKF. Analysts note that the outcome of the investigations could have far-reaching implications for governance in Kenyan football, particularly as the country prepares for future international tournaments.

As scrutiny intensifies, stakeholders within the sports sector are calling for transparency and accountability, emphasising the need to restore public confidence in the management of football in Kenya.

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EACC Raids FKF Offices in Ksh42 Million CHAN Insurance Scandal