Sports Ministry officials, travel company directors arrested by Eacc over Sh3.8billion graft
Among the private firms under probe include Turkenya Tours and Safaris Limited, Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited as well as Maureen Wangui Wambugu, director, Smart Flows Travel Limited
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) yesterday raided the homes of top officials from the State Department for Sports and several private individuals as part of an ongoing anti-corruption investigation over a suspected Sh3.8 billion embezzlement scandal.
EACC detectives carried out simultaneous searches at the residences and offices of senior government officers and private businesspeople linked to the alleged fraud.
Caroline Muthoni Kariuki, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports and David Muasya Musau, an Accountant at the Department, were apprehended by sleuths for question following a search operation at their residences.
Others arrested following the search include Otis Mutwiri Nturibi, Deputy Accountant General, ASALs and Regional Development, Dickson Kibunyi Mahia, Director, Turkenya Tours and Safaris Limited and Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited as well as Maureen Wangui Wambugu, director, Smart Flows Travel Limited.
The probe targets claims of unlawful acquisition of public property and abuse of office involving senior officials at the department.
Investigators say the irregularities occurred between the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years.
“Today, November 5, 2025, EACC executed search warrants at the residences and offices of senior officials at the State Department for Sports and certain private individuals as part of ongoing investigations into allegations related to unlawful acquisition of public property and abuse of office,” the commission said.
The operation followed search warrants issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani, Nairobi.
The searches targeted both official and residential premises of senior officers within the State Department for Sports and private individuals alleged to have benefited from the scheme.
EACC sources revealed that the suspects conspired to loot billions through fraudulent procurement deals and inflated contracts issued to connected travel and logistics companies.
Preliminary findings indicate that millions were transferred through ghost tenders and fake invoices before being laundered into personal accounts and assets.
During the operation—spanning Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki—EACC officers seized Sh3.58 million in cash, title deeds, and luxury vehicles, all believed to have been acquired using stolen funds.
The commission says the evidence recovered will support the next phase of the investigation, including possible arrests and asset recovery proceedings.
According to EACC, the individuals involved were taken to the Integrity Centre for statement recording.
“Upon completion of the inquiry, the outcome will inform appropriate action, including potential prosecution and/or recovery of unexplained wealth,” the commission said.
The commission named five persons of interest.
The investigation concerns alleged irregular procurement and payments involving travel and tour companies connected to the individuals under probe.
“Today’s operation, which targeted residences and offices located in Nairobi, Nanyuki, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties, has yielded valuable evidentiary material to support the ongoing investigation. Some of evidence recovered include: Cash totaling to Kenya Shillings five million, four hundred and sixty thousand (Sh5,460,000), investments in government securities of five hundred and ninety seven thousand (Kes597,000,000), thirteen (13) Motor vehicles, twenty eight (28) landed properties and thirty seven (37) bank accounts,” EACC revealed.
