DCI Summons Cricket Kenya Chairman and Acting Treasurer

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned Cricket Kenya (CK) Chairman Manoj Patel and Acting Treasurer Kennedy Obuya for questioning regarding the alleged misappropriation of Sh26.7 million. The summons, issued by Senior Superintendent of Police Hillary Mutai of the DCI's Serious Crimes Unit, require Obuya to appear on Thursday, October 2, 2025, and Patel the following day.

This criminal investigation stems from a finance committee report dated May 19, 2025, which highlighted significant financial irregularities within Cricket Kenya. The report revealed the existence of an undeclared Prime Bank account, opened on April 27, 2022, whose cheque books were reportedly held by Chairman Patel, a direct violation of CK's financial policies. Furthermore, transactions totaling approximately Sh11.9 million between June and December 2024 from this account lacked proper documentation.

Boardroom Wars and Votes of No Confidence

The DCI probe intensifies existing governance disputes within Cricket Kenya, which have seen a majority faction of the board clash with Patel and Obuya. In June, the board stripped Chairman Patel of all executive authority. Subsequently, on September 24, 2025, six directors unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Acting Treasurer Kennedy Obuya, citing abuse of office, failure to perform constitutional duties, mismanagement of resources, and bringing the sport into disrepute.

The majority board members present at the meeting included Pearlyne Omamo (Director of Women's Cricket), Thomas Odoyo (Director of Development), and board members Tariq Iqbal, Beryl Oyugi, Mary Maina, and Pauline Njeru. Following these resolutions, the board moved to block both Patel and Obuya from transacting on any Cricket Kenya bank accounts.

International Cricket Council Concerns and Potential Sanctions

The ongoing internal turmoil has attracted the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has reportedly placed Kenya on a high-risk watch list. There are fears of a possible suspension from international cricket, which would result in the freezing of international funding and a ban from ICC-sanctioned tournaments.

Cricket Kenya's CEO, Ronald Bukusi, has been at the center of some of these disputes, particularly regarding his stance on unsanctioned tournaments. A faction within the Supreme Council of Cricket Kenya had even called for his dismissal in September 2025, accusing him of gross insubordination for declaring a proposed T20 League illegal.

Efforts Towards Stability and Reforms

Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to restore stability and constitutional order within Cricket Kenya. On September 21, 2025, a special general meeting of the Cricket Kenya council confirmed Manoj Patel as the legitimate chairman and approved the upcoming AOS T20 tournament. The council also appointed Walter Trenk Mukinginyi as Interim CEO to oversee daily operations and initiate the hiring process for a permanent chief executive.

Further reforms included the dissolution of the Independent Elections Panel and the mandate to form a new body within 30 days to supervise the Vice-Chairman's election. The terms of previous board members were confirmed to have expired, and eleven new members from counties across Kenya were co-opted onto the board. A disciplinary committee was also formed to investigate allegations against staff on compulsory leave, with findings expected within 21 days.

Historical Context of Mismanagement

The current crisis is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of long-standing issues within Kenyan cricket. The sport, once a rising force that reached the semi-finals of the 2003 ICC World Cup, has seen a significant decline due to chronic mismanagement, funding gaps, and governance failures.

Past scandals include the abrupt cancellation of the Kenya Blaster League (KBL) in August 2024, which led to legal action against Cricket Kenya by the promoter, SA Event Worx. Similar issues arose with the CKT20 League in January 2025, where Cricket Kenya again disowned an initially sanctioned tournament.

What to Watch

The immediate focus will be on the outcomes of the DCI interrogations of Chairman Manoj Patel and Acting Treasurer Kennedy Obuya. The findings of the disciplinary committee investigating staff on compulsory leave are also anticipated within 21 days. Additionally, the planned Special General Meeting on October 19, 2025, to elect a new vice-chairman, will be crucial in determining the future leadership and stability of Cricket Kenya. The response from the ICC to these developments will also be critical, as a suspension could have severe repercussions for Kenyan cricket's international standing and financial viability.