Kenya's former sports minister, 5 others accused of corruption

Kenya’s former sports minister will be charged in court in relation to the siphoning of funds meant for athletes who competed in the Olympics in Brazil two years ago, the chief prosecutor said on Saturday (October 13).

The East African nation enjoyed its most successful Olympics in Rio, winning six gold medals, six silvers and one bronze, all in track and field, but the performance was blighted by claims of corruption among senior government officials and team bosses.

BREAKING NEWS: DPP Noordin Haji approves the prosecution of former Sports CS Hassan Wario, ex-PS Richard Ekai, Harun Komen, Stephen Kiptanui, Patrick Kimathi, Kipchoge Keino and Francis Kanyili over the misappropriation of Sh55 million during the Rio Olympics #TheScoreKE

— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) October 13, 2018

An investigation had laid the blame on Hassan Wario, the sports minister at the time, and five other former senior officials. They will be charged with 10 counts of abuse of office and failure to comply with the law, said Noordin Haji, the chief prosecutor.

Wario, who was appointed Kenya’s ambassador to Austria this year, was not immediately available for comment. The other five ex-officials, including Kipchoge Keino, who headed the national Olympics committee, were also not immediately available.

DPP Haji orders arrest, prosecution of ex-Sports CS Hassan Wario and 7 others over misuse of Sh55mn Rio Olympics funds. pic.twitter.com/QfwlIaWaKT

— CapitalFM Breaking News (@BreakingNewsKE) October 13, 2018

“The impact of corruption and siphoning of funds meant for the facilitation of our sportsmen and women has a negative impact on their ability to perform optimally,” Haji said in a statement.

Wario and others will be charged in relation to the loss of a total of more than 55 million shillings ($545,905), Haji said.

Former Cabinet Secretary for sports Hassan Wario Arero will be prosecuted for corruption charges (Misappropriation of Rio funds). President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed the corrupt minister as ambassador to Australia. He should start by handing in his resignation immediately. pic.twitter.com/uFsrT5XOPA

— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) October 13, 2018

Dozens of senior government officials and business people are facing various charges related to corruption, part of a fresh attempt by President Uhuru Kenyatta since May to crack down on widespread graft.

Critics have accused Kenyatta of failing to deal with corruption during his first term which ended last year, despite promises to do so when he was first elected in 2013.

7 senior Kenyan officials will be charged over corruption in the 2016 Olympic Games, including ex-Sports Minister Hassan Wario and former Olympic Committee head Kipchoge Keino — More than $545,542 meant for the athletes was allegedly siphoned offhttps://t.co/UPwZs7EGaR

— Alfons López Tena #FBPE (@alfonslopeztena) October 13, 2018

REUTERS