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over 10,000 years old were stolen. 

Congo artefacts, which flooded Kenya at the height of the civil war that
ousted president Mobutu Sese Seko, comprised exquisite carvings and other
material looted from museums in the country. 

FORMER NMK DIRECTOR DR George Abungu has faulted the Kenya legal system for
its lack of provisions to prohibit trafficking of artefacts. 

Anthropologists also note that some high-ranking individuals at the NMK have
used their privileged positions to engage in this highly lucrative trade. 

"We have had cases in the past when former high-ranking officials were known
to engage in the trade, especially at the height of the civil wars in
Ethiopia and Congo, which greatly tainted the institution's reputation,"
said Dr Mzalendo. 

He also pointed at the large, monied NGO and expatriate population in Kenya,
whom he says are a good market for traffickers as they can use their
overseas contacts to export the material. 

Said Dr Mzalendo: "We are aware of this, but have no legal authority to bar
the trade due to deficiency in the existing law. The new Museums Bill,
passed early this year has such a provision and is waiting presidential
assent; only when this is given can we deal legally with trafficking of
artefacts." 

The Bill also addresses cases such as that of Lamu, which is currently
threatened by foreign developers buying out freehold property to cash in on
the island's prestige as a World Heritage Site. 

The Bill prohibits any developments and allows limited rehabilitation of the
property being acquired from residents. "Until it becomes law, there is no
legal provision we can adopt against the trafficking or the holding of this
national treasure," said Dr Mzalendo. 

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