Nelson Amenya has released an exposé that puts the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in the spotlight over massive corruption and abuse of office. According to the documents he has shared, the union’s leadership has been looting funds through companies connected to board members while neglecting the very players who bring pride to the nation.
Some players are allegedly going without food, even during training, as the board continues to enjoy luxurious international trips and benefits meant for the team.
One of the key figures exposed is Harriet Achieng Okach, the newly appointed chairperson of KRU. Amenya describes her as a close relative of Raila Odinga and accuses her of using this connection to secure the position despite having no background in rugby.
She is said to have never played the sport, never managed a club, and doesn’t even know the rules, requiring basic education on how rugby works. Her rise is described as purely political, with her only notable activity being travel across HSBC Series destinations like Perth, Vancouver, LA, and South Africa.
World Rugby allegedly allocates accommodation for the team, but Harriet is accused of kicking out legitimate team officials from their hotel rooms so she can stay comfortably on the players’ budget.
As former director of commercial affairs at KRU, Harriet is also accused of failing to secure any sponsorships for the team. Instead, it was former chair Sasha Mutai who brought in sponsors and ensured funds went directly to the players. This apparently did not sit well with the board, who were angry that they couldn’t siphon the money, leading to Sasha’s removal.
Moses Ndale is another official named in the exposé. He has a history of controversy, including allegedly selling fake tickets during the Safari Sevens. He reportedly awarded alcohol supply contracts to his own bar, Twisted O, worth over one million shillings, which is seen as a blatant conflict of interest.
He also owns a security firm that does business with KRU. Ndale is accused of pushing out former chairmen who tried to fight corruption and is now said to be exploiting Kenya Rugby after damaging KCB Rugby.
Ray Olendo is described as the head of the alleged cartel looting from KRU. He reportedly forged a CRB certificate and uses his law firm Orare and Company to siphon money from the union under the guise of legal representation.
Shockingly, the same law firm represented KRU against SportPesa, one of its own sponsors. Olendo is also accused of appointing his romantic partner as KRU CEO and being involved in a shady $300,000 loan deal from a French company, Careitas, meant to support the Kenya Simbas during the Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
The loan, which was supposed to be paid by 2025, has become a legal mess due to non-repayment.
Other board members like Joshua Aroni, John Kilonzo, and Humphrey Kayange have allegedly overstayed in their positions, with some serving over eight years without stepping down. They are being accused of clinging to power while adding no value to the sport. Kayange, a celebrated former player, is labelled as spineless, failing to speak out or stand up for the players he once represented.
Leslie Mwangale, Ochieng Ahaya, and others are said to have forged CRB certificates to secure their roles in the union. Meanwhile, Zawadi, who is in charge of referees, is said to spend her time travelling with Harriet while referees go unpaid.
This paints a grim picture of a leadership more concerned with travel allowances and personal deals than the game itself.
Nelson Amenya’s revelations have sparked reactions, especially among rugby fans and players who have watched the sport deteriorate. It is now clear that urgent action is needed to clean up the Kenya Rugby Union and put the welfare of players first.
The alleged looting must be investigated, and those found guilty should be removed from office and held accountable.
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