This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Published on December 8, 2019, a Nairobi anti-corruption court ruled that Dr. Hassan Wario, former PS Richard Ekai, and six other officials should face trial over the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for Kenyan athletes during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The officials, including former director of administration at the Ministry of Sports Haron Komen, chef de mission Stephen Kiptanui arap Soi, and Francis Kinyili Paul, are accused of engaging in a project without prior planning, abuse of office, and wilful failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to management of public funds.
According to the court, the officials sent undeserving persons to Rio and double-paid allowances, leading to the loss of public funds. The court also revealed that the officials were paid more than what had been recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
It is alleged that about 184 people travelled to the Rio Olympics, with the total amount paid out as allowances being $1,502,850 (about Sh150 million). The initial team comprised 89 athletes and 68 officials, but the number surged, forcing some to be sent back home.
Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma set February 3 as the date when the accused will start defending themselves.
