Nick Mwendwa Gets His Day in Court

Embattled Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa was on Monday, November 15 arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts to face charges of fraudulent acquisition of Public Property and failure to comply with laws or applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement and disposal.

The case attracted a battery of reporters and interested parties. Mwendwa went with a high-powered legal team that includes Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr. , Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, Prof. Tom Ojienda and veteran lawyer John Khaminwa.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sought to have Mwendwa detained for 14 more days to allow for the conclusion of investigations into Mwendwa’s activities.

“We make our submission on two compelling grounds. That the respondent was a president of FKF and was in the management of public funds entrusted by government of Kenya and other donors. Real apprehension is that he is likely to influence evidence or intimidate witness if they are not allowed time to conclude investigation.”

“Two, we need to obtain certain documents of interest that are important to this case but are in the custody of respondent. These are public documents that are not private or personal. We were unable to access FKF’s offices because they were closed. Our prayer is that these documents are subject to examination to enable conclusion of investigation,” State Prosecutor Evelyn Onunga told the court.

Mwendwa’s lawyers opposed the bid, reiterating allegations of government interference in football and highlighting FIFA correspondence threating sanctions on Kenyan football.

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He had been arrested on Friday, November 12 at Golden Tulip Hotel while visiting Harambee Stars players in camp for a dead-rubber World Cup Qualifier vs Rwanda. Mwendwa is accused of siphoning millions from FKF accounts to private accounts.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed appointed a caretaker committee led by Retired Justice Aaron Ringera to take charge of Kenyan football for a six month period to pave way for fresh elections at FKF.

A statement from FIFA claimed undue interference from the government in the affairs of the federation. Noting the allegations against Mwendwa, the world football governing body asked the government to reinstate the FKF Executive Committee while calling for dialogue.