The National Museums of Kenya's former Director General, Mzalendo Kibunja, has come under scrutiny for alleged irregular payment of funds within the organisation.
In a statement released by the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, it was revealed that the former director, along with three other employees, disbursed Ksh490 million to ghost workers at the organisation.
“The DPP upon thorough review of the resubmitted inquiry file, was satisfied that there was enough evidence to warrant the prosecution of several offences,” the statement read in part.
The four, together with a bank employee involved in transferring the funds to other company officers, will be answerable to five offences.
The DPP will charge the implicated for conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Other charges include the acquisition of proceeds of crime and financial conduct.
“The DPP continues to affirm to the public that the office shall continue to be guided by the Constitution of Kenya.”
In another statement, the DPP further exposed officials from the OL-KALOU NG-CDF, directing they be charged with allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of office and embezzlement of public funds.
Following an investigation, the office discovered Ksh62 million was disbursed to the Ol-Kalou Constituency Roads Project between March 15, 2014 and March 31, 2018.
"During the same period, Cheque and Cash withdrawals totalling Ksh55 million were made in favour of the Ol-Kalou NG-CDF Roads Project Committee Officials and the name of seven other companies without following any procurement procedures," ODPP noted.
In their defence, the committee asserted that the expenditure was allocated to support various road works conducted across the Constituency.
However, due to a lack of documentation to substantiate the committee's claims, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed their prosecution. The office stated that the absence of evidence implied that no road works were indeed undertaken.
