Keypoints:
- Audit uncovers $4.6m fraud in Kenya’s Methodist Church
- Food aid for drought victims diverted via forged records
- Legal experts urge criminal charges; EACC yet to act
A SCATHING internal audit has exposed what investigators call one of the worst financial scandals in Kenya’s church history, implicating senior leaders of the Methodist Church in the misappropriation of more than $4.6 million.
The revelations, first reported by Kenya’s Daily Nation on Wednesday, follow an investigation by Ronalds LLP and a seven-member committee appointed by the church. The auditors said they ‘were unable to obtain grant agreements, narrative reports, and participant listings, which are necessary to verify whether these projects were implemented in accordance with the signed donor agreements’.
Forged records, fake suppliers, phantom projects
The audit found that food aid earmarked for drought-stricken communities was systematically diverted. According to the report, senior officials orchestrated a scheme involving forged receipts, fictitious suppliers, and non-existent projects. Relief food was allegedly stolen and sold, with payments made to companies that auditors say did not exist.
Churches under increased scrutiny
The scandal comes as faith-based organisations in Kenya face heightened scrutiny over their handling of donor funds and public contributions. Government figures show the country has more than 4,000 registered churches in a nation of about 53 million people.
Possible legal consequences
Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has not confirmed whether it will launch a formal investigation. However, legal experts say the audit offers enough evidence to pursue criminal charges including fraud, theft, and abuse of office.
