Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa was on Thursday, May 21, reportedly grilled by Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) detectives over the alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds.
On Thursday, May 21, a report by Citizen TV stated that Mwendwa was accompanied by FKF officials to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road, Nairobi, where he was grilled over the expenditure of Ksh244 million issued to Harambee Stars for preparations for the 2019 AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations).
The allegations against Mwendwa were reportedly raised by the Ministry of Sports under CS Amina Mohammed. However, FKF officials who spoke with Kenyanbulletin.com refuted the claims.
Mwendwa was also questioned over the leasing by the federation of outside broadcast (OB) communication equipment at approximately Ksh125 million.
A report by the Daily Nation added that the football chief was also grilled over a Ksh4 million invoice FKF sent to the Ministry of Sports ahead of Harambee Stars 2021 AFCON qualification match against Egypt in November 2019.
Another contentious issue Mwendwa was tasked to address was the bonuses awarded to players.
On Wednesday, May 20, Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama while speaking with Madgoat TV touched on the sensitive bonus issue which reportedly created a row between players.
Defender Abud Omar had earlier on accused Wanyama and FKF officials for settling on the Afcon allowances package without consulting the rest of the players.
“I have been hot on the heels of the federation to pay players their allowances and meet their promises. I am the kind of a player who will help without necessarily making it public or bragging. I have helped a host of players get deals and fought for their welfare.
“I think it’s disrespectful for anyone especially a player to point fingers at me. I urge players to remain disciplined both in the changing room and on the pitch,” Wanyama stated
However, officials at FKF differed, arguing that Mwendwa was not grilled by the DCI and was never summoned by the sleuths.
“He was nowhere near the DCI offices. I read those stories and I had more questions than answers,” one official stated.
“Mwenda was not summoned. You can, however, request for an official statement from the federation’s Secretary General Barry Otieno,” another added.
Efforts to reach Mwendwa and Otieno were futile as the two were unavailable for comments.
