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“Thank God for dodging a bullet,” Ababu Namwamba on Talanta Stadium’s KSh 10.85 billion scandal
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.02.26. | 13:11
The former CS expressed disappointment that a project he initiated in good faith and left in sound condition was mishandled after his departure.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba has raised serious concerns over alleged cost inflation in the Talanta Sport City stadium project, initially valued at KSh 44.5 billion. Reports indicate that the project’s expenses have exceeded the original estimate by KSh 10.85 billion.
According to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, as reported by the Daily Nation, the additional KSh 10.85 billion points to significant irregularities, prompting Namwamba to call for those responsible to be held accountable.
The former CS expressed disappointment that a project he initiated in good faith and left in sound condition was mishandled after his departure. Namwamba served as Sports CS from October 2022 to July 2024. During his tenure, he conceptualized the stadium project and officially launched construction with a groundbreaking ceremony in March 2024, shortly before leaving office.
Taking to his Facebook page, the former Budalangi Member of Parliament urged immediate accountability for any mismanagement of public funds while expressing relief at avoiding personal involvement in the controversy.
“My Abanyala people say, ‘okhusakandia akhura alayi,’ which means, ‘what appears disruptive could actually be your salvation.’ It seems the project I conceived, curated, and left in perfect health, with all procedures above board from inception, has now run into a storm after my departure. Whoever is responsible for any loss of public funds must be held fully responsible. I thank God for dodging a bullet here!” he posted.
Despite the controversy, the Talanta Sport City stadium project is in its final stages, with interior works currently underway. The 60,000-seater stadium is scheduled for completion in March in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 18 July.
As public attention turns to the government’s next steps, all eyes will be on how authorities address the alleged misappropriation and ensure transparency in this flagship project ahead of Africa’s premier football tournament.
