Senators call for an audit of funds allocated to FKF

By Vereso Mwanga

Senators are calling for a forensic audit of all funds allocated to Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

This is  after Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko tabled three dossiers Thursday afternoon which he said reveal misappropriation of funds by the national soccer governing body.

Consequently, the Senate Departmental Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has been mandated to conduct investigations and report back to the House within two months.

In its probe, the Committee will also establish circumstances leading to the poor performance of the national soccer team Harambee Stars in international assignments. Management of Harambee Stars and regulation of the sport in the country in relation with world governing body FIFA rules will also be probed.

Presiding Speaker Dr.Wilfred Machage directed all Senators interested in the matter to present their views to the Committee. Senator Sonko urged the committee to summon FKF officials and the Cabinet Secretary in Charge of Sports to explain the “rampant corruption which is affecting performance of the national team.”

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar had initially sought a statement regarding the team’s controversial trip to Cape Verde that saw Kenya bundled out of the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign. Senator Hassan had expressed frustration over the Committee’s seemingly reluctance to table a report on the issue.

Committee Deputy Chairperson Martha Wangari however informed the house that efforts to contact FKF officials had been fruitless hence the delay.

Just this week Kenya’s Cecafa Senior Challenge title defense ended prematurely after losing to Rwanda in the quarter finals of the regional tournament in Ethiopia.

Senators including Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), Moses Wetangula (Bungoma), Bonny Khalwale (Kakamega) Daniel Karaba (Kirinyaga), James Orengo (Siaya) and Chris Obure (Kisii) described both the World Cup qualification and Cecafa performances as scandalous and called for a thorough probe to establish what is ailing the national team.

Senators further expressed commitment to hold a hold a special sitting to discuss the issue should the Committee conclude investigations earlier than expected terming it as a “matter of national importance.”

The Senate proceeds on a long recess from December 4, 2015 to February 9, 2016.