Detectives nab couple linked to theft of at least Ksh22M
By Cynthia Lodite, January 29, 2026Detectives from the Investigations Bureau (IB) attached to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum have nabbed a husband and wife alongside an accomplice linked to a fraudulent scheme.
In a statement by the DCI on X on Thursday 29,2026, the detectives revealed that the fraudulent scheme led to the misappropriation of at least Ksh22,151,983 from the National Oil Corporation of Kenya
“Detectives from the Investigations Bureau (IB) attached to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum have today arraigned a husband and wife, along with an accomplice, for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that led to the misappropriation of Sh22,151,983 from the National Oil Corporation of Kenya,” DCI said.
Detectives have confirmed that their arrest and subsequent arraignment follow a complaint from the National Oil Corporation about theft and misappropriation of substantial funds belonging to the corporation.
Investigations were immediately launched, and it was revealed that one of the persons of interest, a former Assistant Accountant at the National Oil Corporation, was the mastermind behind the fraudulent activities.
“She conspired with her husband, Griffin Nyakang’o Omwenga, and a third accomplice, Nehemia Onyunge Kibegwa, leading to the misappropriation of millions of shillings before resigning from her position,” DCI said.
“Digging deeper, detectives uncovered that Griffin had established five companies: Zoccom Enterprises Limited, Eceny Ventures Limited, Earthcare Supplier Services, Sparktec Ventures Limited, and Jaffer Petrofill Africa Limited. Shockingly, these companies, which had neither bid for any services nor conducted any business with the National Oil Corporation, received nearly Sh22 million for purported services that were never rendered,”DCI added.
The Detectives revealed that her role as the assistant payable accountant was responsible for processing payments at the corporation, while revealing the acts behind the scheme, explaining how she concealed the connection to her husband’s businesses.
“She cunningly utilised authentic documents from legitimate companies contracted by the National Oil Corporation, ensuring that the names of her husband’s companies remained undetected by signatories,” DCI explained.
The third party
The Detectives have further revealed a third person of interest in connection to the scheme.
“Nehemia Onyunge Kibegwa, the third suspect and director of Kensons Constructions Limited, also benefitted from this elaborate scheme, receiving millions of shillings despite having no prior bidding or engagement with the National Oil Corporation,” DCI revealed.
The DCI confirmed that in a swift response, the three persons of interest were apprehended on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and detained at Akila Police Station and later presented to Kibera Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“They were remanded pending a bond ruling scheduled for 4th February, 2026. This case underscores the DCI’s commitment to combating corruption, enforcing accountability, and safeguarding public resources by ensuring all offenders face justice,” DCI added.