Former National Museums Chief Mzalendo Kibunja Held for Shady Sh490m Payment to Phantom Employees
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission apprehended Dr. Mzalendo Kibunja, the former Director General of the National Museums of Kenya, on suspicions of misappropriating Sh490 million through payments to fictitious employees.
Eric Ngumbi, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs and Communication at EACC, affirmed that Dr. Mzalendo was one of the individuals detained at the EACC Integrity Centre Police station, awaiting their court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.
The remaining trio comprises Mr. Oliver Okinyi Rabuor, who serves as the ICT officer for the Payroll section; Mr. Wyclif Odhiambo Ongata, the accountant; and Oscar Mwaura, responsible for recruiting ghost employees.
They are accused of misappropriating public funds by making irregular salary payments to nonexistent employees, with the money eventually ending up in the hands of senior officials.
“Upon conclusion of investigations the commission submitted the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions who concurred with the commission’s recommendations to charge the suspects,” said Mr Ngumbi who was addressing journalists in Nakuru.
As per the authorities, the four individuals will face charges linked to corruption, encompassing conspiracy to engage in corrupt activities, misuse of authority, improper acquisition of public assets, and gaining proceeds from criminal activities.
They will also encounter additional accusations related to money laundering and financial wrongdoing.
A key individual, Mr. Stanvas Ongalo Opijah, who held the position of director of human resources and administration, remains at large and has been instructed to present himself at the EACC headquarters.
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Simultaneously, the commission has called upon ex-governor Mwangi Wa Iria of Muranga, along with his spouse Jaine Waigwe Kimani and six additional individuals, to attend its offices in Nairobi. They are summoned about accusations of procurement irregularities, which resulted in the misuse of Sh 140 million in public funds.
It’s alleged that the eight individuals were implicated in the improper allocation of contracts by the Muranga county government to a company known as Top Image Media Consultancy Limited in the fiscal years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.
The remaining six individuals include Patrick Kagumu Mukuria, who previously served as the County secretary, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, the Director of Top Image Media Consultancy Ltd, David Maina Kiama and David Maina Njeri, both serving as Directors, Solomon Mutura Kimani, who holds the position of Director at Vale View Limited, and Peter Muturi Karanja, who acted as the Personal Assistant to the former governor.
The eight individuals will face charges on five counts, including misuse of authority, unauthorized acquisition of public assets, handling of questionable property, and engaging in money laundering activities.
“The commission hereby directs all the above-named persons to report to EACC headquarters or the nearest EACC regional office by Tuesday, April 16 at 8 am without fail,” stated Mr Ngumbi.
Former National Museums Chief Mzalendo Kibunja Held for Shady Sh490m Payment to Phantom Employees
