The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Kenya has arrested four senior officials from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) for their alleged involvement in embezzling over KES 490 million in public funds between 2015 and 2022. The suspects include the former Director General, an ICT officer, an accountant, and a “ghost employee recruiter.”
The EACC investigation revealed that the NMK officials were funneling money through irregular salary payments to fictitious employees, with the funds later transferred to the accounts of senior management. In a press release, the anti-corruption agency stated that it had submitted the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who approved the recommendations to charge the suspects.
“Investigations commenced after the Commission received a report that the NMK officials were embezzling public funds through irregular payment of salaries to ghost employees, which were later transferred to senior officials,” the EACC said in the statement.
The four arrested suspects are: Dr. Mzalendo Nyaga Kibunja – Former Director General, NMK, Oliver Okinyi Rabuor – ICT Officer, Payroll Section, Wycliffe Odhiambo Ongata – Accountant, Payroll Section and Oscar Mwaura – Ghost Employee recruiter.
The suspects will be charged with a range of offences, including conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, money laundering, and financial misconduct.
“The suspects are currently in custody at EACC Integrity Centre Police Station pending arraignment before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, 16th April, 2024, at 8:30am,” the EACC statement read.
The anti-corruption agency also directed another suspect, Mr. Stanvas Ongalo Opijah – Director of Human Resource and Administration, who is yet to be arrested, to report to the EACC headquarters or the nearest regional office without fail.
