Ghost Workers Fraud At National Museum Of Kenya Cost Tax Payer Ksh.491M

The ethics and anti corruption commission has been looking into allegations of fraud at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK)

The investigation, now concluded, has unearthed a scandal that saw 105 ghost workers added to the payroll between 2016 and 2022.

The ghost workers were paid a gross salary of between Ksh.88,000 and Ksh.95,000, and they were also able to access loan facilities from a specific bank.

They later handed over the borrowed amount to NMK officials, and for their troubles, they were given between Ksh.100k to Ksh.200k as appreciation.

These activities cost the taxpayer a total of 491.4 million shillings.

The EACC is now seeking charges against Mzalendo Kibunja, former Director General of the National Museum of Kenya, Stanyas Ongalo, Human Resource Director and Acting Director General Oliver Rabuor, and Wycliffe Ongata, both in the payroll office, for unlawful acquisition of public property, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, abuse of office, acquisition of proceeds of crime, money laundering, and financial misconduct.

The anti-graft body also wants the Ksh.491M recovered from the listed NMK officers