This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, Citizen TV news anchor and senior features reporter Waihiga Mwaura testified in a Nairobi court over the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics scandal.
Mr. Mwaura's testimony came after defense advocates initially objected to him discussing the 'Rio Fiasco,' a feature story he produced for Citizen TV following the Olympics.
The defense argued that the story was based on hearsay, but the magistrate allowed Mr. Mwaura to testify, citing that he was under oath and had no problem providing testimony.
Mr. Mwaura revealed that he was among journalists who received USD 1,000 (approximately Ksh.100,000) without his knowledge or consent.
The defense downplayed this revelation, stating that other journalists also received the money.
Mr. Mwaura further testified that some individuals listed under 'Team Kenya' were foreigners, and he was familiar with most athletes and National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) officials.
The defense countered this testimony, claiming that the 'strangers' were security officers and media liaison for the Ministry of Sports.
Mr. Mwaura also testified that he interviewed officials who felt mistreated during the Olympics, including Catherine Ndereba and John Anzrah.
The defense disputed this testimony, stating that the two officials traveled before their scheduled dates.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, his Principal Secretary Richard Ekai, and ex-NOCK official Stephen Soi are among those charged with abuse of office and misappropriation of Ksh.55 million during the 2016 Olympics.
