Former National Museums of Kenya Officials Charged in Sh490 Million Embezzlement Scandal

Former Director General of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) Mzalendo Kibunjia and six others have been charged with corruption allegations of embezzling Sh490 million. The accused, including Stanvas Ongalo, Oliver Rabour, Wycliffe Ongata, and Oscar Mwaura, along with Mwaura's companies Altcoms Enterprises and Florah Technical Services, were arraigned in Milimani law court on April 16, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to a police report, the group conspired to fraudulently pay ghost workers a sum of Sh441,392,075, which was later diverted into individual accounts. Mwaura is alleged to have led the recruitment of the ghost workers between June 2016 and July 2022. The accused were charged with conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, financial misconduct, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and money laundering.

Why this matters: The embezzlement scandal at the National Museums of Kenya highlights the ongoing fight against corruption in public institutions. The misappropriation of nearly half a billion shillings highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect public funds.

Kibunjia was specifically charged with abusing his office by allowing Ksh441,392,075 to be paid to 'ghost workers' at the NMK. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) conducted investigations after receiving a report about the alleged mismanagement of funds and submitted the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who concurred with the commission's recommendations to charge the suspects.

The accused were released on a bond of Sh10 million each with one surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh5 million. They were also ordered to deposit their passports with the court and avoid any interference with the witnesses. The case is set for mention on May 02, 2024, for pre-trial.

The NMK embezzlement scandal has brought to light the alleged mismanagement of public funds through irregular payments of salaries to ghost workers, with the money thereafter being transferred to senior officials. The arrest and prosecution of the former Director General and other officials demonstrate the government's commitment to combating corruption and holding those involved accountable for their actions.

Key Takeaways

• Former NMK Director General Mzalendo Kibunjia charged with Ksh491m corruption.
• Accused conspired to pay ghost workers Ksh441m, diverted to personal accounts.
• Suspects charged with corruption, abuse of office, money laundering, etc.
• Accused released on Ksh10m bond or Ksh5m cash bail, case set for May 2024.
• Scandal highlights need for stronger oversight to protect public funds.