Four persons have been arrested in connection with the embezzlement of Ksh490 million from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) between fiscal years 2015/2016 and 2021/2022.

In a statement on Monday, April 15, 2024, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirmed the arrest of  former NMK Director General Mzalendo Nyaga Kibunja, payroll section ICT Officer - Oliver Okinyi Rabuor, payroll section accountant - Wycliffe Odhiambo Ongata, and Ghost employee recruiter Oscar Mwaura.

Investigations into the matter commenced after the EACC 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. 

Upon conclusion of the investigations, the anti-graft agency submitted the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) who concurred with the Commission's recommendations to charge suspects.

The suspects are currently in custody at EACC Integrity Centre Police Station pending arraignment before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 8:30am.

They will be charged with the following offences:

1. Conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to Section 47A (3) as read with Section 48 of Anti-Corruption and Economics Crime Act No. 3 of 2003. 

2. Abuse of office Contrary to Section 46, as read with Section 48(1), of the Ant-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.

3. Unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48(1), of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.

4. Acquisition of proceeds of crime contrary to Section 4 as read with Section 16 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 51 of 2012.

5. Money laundering contrary to Section 3(a) as read with Section 16 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 51 of 2012.

6. Financial misconduct contrary to Section 197(1)(i) as read with Section 199 of the Public Finance Management Act no. of 2012. 

"One suspect, Mr. Stanvas Ongalo Opijah - Director, Human Resource and Administration, who is yet to be arrested is hereby directed to immediately report to EACC Headquarters located at the Integrity Centre Building, at the junction of Valley and Jakaya Kikwete Roads or the nearest EACC Regional Office, without fail," EACC stated.