The Sports Funds Chief Executive Officer
Nuh Mohamed Ibrahim’s growing political ambitions in Isiolo have come under scrutiny, with questions being raised over whether he is using his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to advance his gubernatorial ambitions.
The former Isiolo Senate aspirant, who has been linked to the 2027 Isiolo gubernatorial race, has emerged as a potential political force in the county, where his return to Garbatulla has attracted attention from local leaders and sections of the community.
But as he seeks to transform his national profile into political influence at home, questions are emerging over the management of the public fund he heads, his political networks and the role of former Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti in his political calculations.
Ibrahim was appointed CEO of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund in 2023, succeeding Mark Wambugu.
Before his appointment, he worked at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the National Health Insurance Fund.
His academic qualifications include a degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Kenyatta University.
The Fund, established to support sports, arts and social development, controls public resources intended to benefit Kenyans through programmes and projects across the country.
However, questions surrounding Ibrahim’s tenure have recently entered the public domain.
Recent media reports have raised concerns over his continued stay at the helm of the Sports Fund where he extended his tenure by an extra two year period.
Parastatal heads in Kenya usually get a three-year contract subject to extension by the board.
His gubernatoria bid has raised alot of.questions with senior officials in the Sports Ministry reportedly uncormfortable with how he has handled some key projects in terms of funding.
The allegations raise a broader question: whether public institutions are being used to serve the interests of the public or are becoming platforms for political mobilisation.
Before his appointment to the Sports Fund, he was associated with the Isiolo county Senate bid.
He has now mounted a serious campaign for the Isiolo gubernatorial position.
His political profile has also been linked to his family background. He is the son of former Isiolo South MP Mohamed Ibrahim and was born and raised in Garbatulla.
Critics, however, are questioning whether his national position gives him an advantage over other aspirants and whether public resources could influence political loyalties.
Ibrahim is also facing political criticism over his alleged association with former Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti.
Kuti served as Isiolo governor from 2017 to 2022, before being succeeded by Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo.
Political critics have accused Ibrahim of working with Kuti to divide the former governor’s political support base and weaken competing interests within the county.
The accusations nonetheless point to the shifting alliances expected to shape the 2027 gubernatorial contest, as politicians position themselves ahead of the elections.
The growing debate surrounding Ibrahim comes at a time when public institutions are facing increasing demands for transparency and accountability.
“The Sports Fund’s mandate is to support sports, arts and social development programmes,” Mark Lumita a Governance expert said.
“Its resources are public funds and must be managed in accordance with the law and the Àinstitution’s mandate,” he added.
He called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Auditor-General and other relevant oversight institutions to conduct investigations into the matter.
As Isiolo heads towards another competitive election, the questions surrounding his political networks, public office and accountability are unlikely to disappear.
The central question remains whether Nuh Mohamed Ibrahim’s rise from Garbatulla to the leadership of a national public fund will strengthen his gubernatorial bid—or expose him to demands for greater scrutiny over his stewardship of public resources.
