A human rights activist has moved to court seeking orders to temporarily bar Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Chief Executive Officer Nuh Ibrahim from performing his official duties over allegations of corruption, gross misconduct and an allegedly irregular extension of his contract by two years.
In a petition dated October 21, 2026, petitioner Stephen Nyaga wants the High Court to intervene and investigate what he describes as serious violations of the Constitution and public service regulations in the management of the government fund.
Nyaga argues that Ibrahim’s reported contract extension was irregularly undertaken without following the institution’s established procedures, raising questions about the role of the board and the legality of the decision.
According to the petition, the extension allegedly proceeded without proper consultation with the board or a formal board resolution approving the additional two years.
The petitioner now wants the court to issue conservatory orders restraining the CEO from performing his official duties and administrative functions pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Activist Raises Questions Over Sports Fund Governance
The petition further accuses the respondent of allegedly disregarding constitutional provisions governing integrity, accountability and transparency in public service.
Nyaga argues that public offices are held in trust for the people of Kenya and that senior government officials must be held accountable whenever credible concerns emerge regarding their conduct.
He has invoked Articles 22 and 258 of the Constitution, arguing that the court has a responsibility to protect constitutionalism and ensure accountability in public institutions.
The activist further questions whether the reported contract extension complied with the legal framework governing the appointment, renewal and tenure of chief executive officers in public institutions.
Financial Mismanagement Claims .
The petition also raises concerns over alleged financial mismanagement at the Sports Fund.
It references parliamentary scrutiny that began in February 2025, when legislators examined concerns surrounding the institution’s financial management, transparency, procurement processes and distribution of resources.
The inquiry reportedly sought details of expenditure and companies contracted to supply sports equipment.
The petitioner argues that the concerns surrounding the institution’s management warrant closer scrutiny by relevant investigative and oversight agencies.
Academic Qualifications Also Under Scrutiny.
In another significant aspect of the petition, Nyaga wants the relevant authorities to investigate the academic qualifications presented by the respondent.
He specifically asks for scrutiny of the respondent’s O-Level academic certificate to establish its authenticity and determine whether there were any irregularities.
The petition also asks the court to compel the respondent and the board to produce documentary evidence, including the initial appointment letter, contract extension letter, applicable legal provisions and official board minutes relating to the extension.
Seeks Permanent Orders Against CEO.
Among the reliefs sought, the petitioner wants the court to declare that the respondent’s alleged actions violated the Constitution and other applicable laws.
He is also seeking orders directing the relevant investigative authorities to examine possible ethical breaches and corrupt practices relating to the matter.
Additionally, Nyaga wants the court to declare the respondent unfit to hold public office should the allegations of gross misconduct and constitutional violations be established.
He has further requested an order barring the respondent from holding public office or seeking elective political positions if found guilty of the alleged misconduct.
The petitioner wants the respondents to bear the costs of the proceedings.
Court Battle Puts Sports Fund Leadership Under Spotlight.
The case could trigger renewed scrutiny of governance and accountability at the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, an institution mandated to support sports development, arts and social development programmes across the country.
The fund plays a significant role in supporting sports organisations, athletes, sporting infrastructure and talent development.
The petition now places the circumstances surrounding the CEO’s reported contract extension under judicial scrutiny, with questions emerging over the board’s oversight responsibilities and the procedures followed in making the decision.
The court is being asked to determine whether the alleged actions violated constitutional and statutory requirements.
