Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, conducted a series of coordinated raids on the homes and offices of senior officials within the State Department for Sports and affiliated businesspersons. The early-morning operation, which spanned Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, and Nanyuki counties, is part of an extensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement and unlawful acquisition of approximately Ksh3.8 billion of public funds.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EACC confirmed the operation was executed under court-approved search warrants issued by the Chief Magistrate's Court at Milimani, Nairobi. The probe centers on allegations of abuse of office and fraudulent procurement schemes involving travel and tour companies linked to the officials under investigation. The alleged offenses reportedly took place during the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years.

During the raids, investigators recovered significant evidentiary material. The EACC reported the seizure of Ksh3.58 million in cash, numerous title deeds for landed properties, and several high-end motor vehicles believed to be proceeds of corruption. According to one report, investigators also secured assets including government securities valued at Ksh597 million, 13 motor vehicles, 28 landed properties, and froze 37 bank accounts as part of the probe. The commission stated that the seized items will undergo forensic analysis to support the ongoing inquiry.

Key Officials and Businesses Named

Multiple media outlets have identified the five persons of interest who were taken to the EACC's Integrity Centre headquarters in Nairobi for questioning. Those under investigation include Caroline Muthoni Kariuki, a Senior Assistant Commissioner of Sports; Otis Mutwiri Nturibi, the Deputy Accountant General in the Ministry of ASALs and Regional Development; and David Muasya Musau, an accountant at the State Department for Sports. Also being investigated are directors of two private travel companies: Dickson Kibunyi Mahia of Turkenya Tours & Safaris Limited and Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited, and Maureen Wangui Wambugu of Smart Flows Travel Limited.

The investigation alleges a conspiracy to siphon public funds through inflated invoices, fictitious procurement deals, and payments for services that were never rendered. These irregular tenders were allegedly awarded to the travel and logistics companies connected to the government officials.

Implications for Kenya's Fight Against Corruption

This high-profile operation underscores the persistent challenge of corruption within government ministries, a vice that continues to undermine public service delivery and economic development in Kenya. The focus on the State Department for Sports is particularly significant, given its history of financial scandals, including the 2016 Rio Olympics fiasco where funds meant for athletes were misappropriated. This latest probe into a staggering Ksh3.8 billion loss highlights the scale of financial mismanagement that continues to plague the sector.

The EACC has affirmed that upon completion of the inquiry, it will take appropriate action, which could include the prosecution of culpable individuals and the recovery of unexplained wealth and corruptly acquired assets. This case will be closely watched by the Kenyan public and international partners as a litmus test for the country's commitment to holding senior officials accountable and dismantling complex corruption networks. The success or failure of this investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will have significant implications for public trust in government institutions and the overall effectiveness of Kenya's anti-graft strategy.

The commission has intensified its asset recovery efforts in recent years. According to a June 2025 report, the EACC has reclaimed property worth Sh28 billion over the last five years through court processes and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. The outcome of this Ksh3.8 billion investigation will be a critical addition to these ongoing efforts to restore integrity in the public sector.