Rugby great Lujesi Khadambi demands accountability at controversy-riddled KRU board

 Former Kenya international and Kenya Harlequins stalwart Lujesi Khadambi, famously known in local rugby circles as “Polisi,” has broken his silence amid a storm of corruption allegations swirling over the head of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

Khadambi now claims the affiliates were bribed to oust the immediate Rugby Union boss Alexander Sasha Mutai.

In March 2025, a coalition of KRU affiliates including Kisumu RFC, Bungoma RFC, Homeboyz RFC, Menengai Oilers, and Kabras Sugar RFC triggered a Special General Meeting (SGM) that ultimately forced Mutai out of office. The affiliates accused Mutai of mismanagement and questionable handling of Sh13.2 million tied to the 2023 and 2024 Safari Sevens tournaments.

Although the Sports Disputes Tribunal later ruled that the suspension was “illegal, null, and void,” Mutai resigned on May 30, 2025, citing deep-rooted boardroom politics and lack of transparency.

But now, troubling new allegations have emerged.

Financial records and whistleblower accounts posted on X formerly Twitter by a user identified as Amenya reveal possible rampant misappropriation of funds related to the 2024 Safari Sevens. Among the red flags is; 1. The Sh6 million paid to Lengue Limited for questionable services, 2. Sh2 million allegedly used for insurance, though Sh8 million was disbursed, 3. Sh15 million paid to 3rd Eye Security, despite failure to prevent reported theft, 3. Significant payments made to vendors with links to KRU insiders including Twisted "O, Rueziam Ltd, Vertex Sports, Double Take Holdings.

The alleged use of ghost vendors, conflict of interest, and financial manipulation have left rugby fans outraged.

Khadambi didn’t mince his words.

“If these allegations are true, then those who moved to oust Mutai must answer to the rugby community,” he said. “Were you bribed? Were you used to sanitize corruption? This silence from affiliates is not just disappointing, it’s suspicious.”

The former Kenya Harlequins forward, known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the pitch, called on clubs and fans to demand full accountability.

“Rugby was built on discipline and integrity. If we allow greed to take root in our Union, we will lose everything we’ve worked for. We cannot let cowards and crooks run the game from behind closed doors,” he added.

All eyes now turn to Harriet Okach, who took office as KRU Chairperson on June 5, 2025. Okach has promised unity and reform, but questions linger about how far she is willing to go to uproot entrenched rot within the board.

For the integrity of the game, concerned stakeholders are calling on her to, among other things; 1.Launch an Independent Forensic Audit into KRU’s financial records, particularly the 2024 Safari Sevens, 2. Suspend all implicated individuals and vendors pending a full investigation including any KRU bank signatories tied to dubious payments, 3. Provide transparent communication to affiliates, fans, sponsors, and the public outlining clear steps toward restoring accountability, 4. Uphold Chapter 6 of the Kenyan Constitution by removing any official implicated in corruption, abuse of office, or serious misconduct.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is reportedly investigating the matter, but rugby fans insist the responsibility to lead the clean-up lies squarely with new chair Okach and her board.

Khadambi’s message is clear: Kenyan rugby is at a crossroads.

“We must choose to protect the game or watch it crumble. Speak up. Demand the truth. This is bigger than politics. This is about our sport, our future,” he said.