KRU Chairperson explains reason for DCI summoning

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okach has confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is officially investigating the Union’s affairs, with the board now under the spotlight following explosive allegations of misconduct and financial irregularities.

In her first major statement since assuming office, Okach, who recently became the first woman to lead the Union, stated that KRU has already submitted documents requested by the DCI.

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She further confirmed that several board members, including KRU CEO Thomas Odundo, have been individually summoned to assist with the ongoing probe.

“That already got DCI involved and not us. So, we were summoned by the Kenya Rugby Union and requested to submit documents for specific periods. Those documents were submitted in person, and different people from within the board have been called in, starting from the CEO, to answer various questions. So, we are just waiting,” Okach said.

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The investigation comes in the wake of a turbulent period for the Union, marked by the dramatic resignation of former chair Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai during a Special General Meeting held on Friday, 30 May at the RFUEA Grounds.

His departure opened the door for Okach’s appointment, a historic milestone in Kenya’s rugby leadership. However, the storm is far from over.

©Tabby Nashipae

Public trust in the Union has been further eroded by a series of exposés published by whistleblower Nelson Amenya on his X (formerly Twitter) account, which allege illegal dealings involving board members.

The accusations have rocked the KRU headquarters, often referred to as “the container,” and drawn the attention of high-profile leaders.

In May, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called for a full-scale investigation into KRU’s operations, finances, and governance. During a Senate session, Sifuna requested a detailed statement from the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, invoking Standing Order 53(1).

He demanded the committee to provide a detailed report on the Union’s financial standing, including a breakdown of sponsorship funds received from corporate entities between 2022 and 2025, as well as a full account of expenditures during the same period.

Additionally, he demanded an update on a report previously filed by former chairperson Mutai to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which alleged criminal and fraudulent activities within the Union.

Sifuna also questioned whether all serving directors at KRU possess the necessary qualifications to hold office.

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Sifuna’s sentiments were echoed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who emphasized the importance of transparency and urged the Union to open its books for public scrutiny.

Despite the growing pressure, Okach remains composed and committed to following due process.

“I am a great believer in being innocent until proven guilty. But as a board, we are also guided by a constitution. The minute someone is arrested or charged, they know they must step aside and resign. We will follow that,” she stated.

She also addressed concerns that sponsors might be pulling out in light of the scandal. Okach reassured stakeholders that the board had taken steps to maintain sponsor relations during the ongoing turmoil.

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“With everything that was going on, we kept them updated. Any sponsor who was not comfortable dealing with either of us, the board made a resolution for them to deal with the CEO for continuity purposes,” she offered.

As the DCI digs deeper and political pressure mounts, the rugby fraternity now waits to see whether the cracks will expose something more damning beneath the surface.