The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for the prosecution of eight individuals accused of involvement in a massive fraud scandal at the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The scandal allegedly resulted in the loss of Ksh199 million in taxpayer money through false claims and fictitious medical procedures.
According to EACC’s quarterly report released this month, the fraudulent activities involved directors of Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre, registered doctors, and NHIF officials. These individuals are said to have colluded to embezzle funds by fabricating medical claims for non-existent services.
Among the key officials implicated are former NHIF Chief Executive Peter Kamunya and Eastleigh Branch Manager Amran Mohamed. Reports indicate that the two signed a contract with Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre before the institution was officially gazetted and approved by the NHIF Board.
Additional suspects include Halima Saney, Senior Assistant Manager; Douglas Odhiambo, Manager of Quality Assurance; and John Ireri, Deputy Director at the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). They stand accused of unlawfully upgrading Beirut Pharmacy from a Level Three to a Level Four hospital without the necessary contractual agreements and gazette notice.
Also implicated are the directors of Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre — Yussuf Harret, Mohamed Bare, Ubah Hussein, and Hussein Gamow — who allegedly conspired with NHIF officials in the fraudulent scheme. The EACC report highlights that the directors submitted falsified documents to both the NHIF and KMPDC in order to expedite the institution’s approval process.
EACC further stated that the accused failed to adhere to proper diligence in the licensing of Beirut Pharmacy, contributing to the widespread financial misconduct.
As the investigation continues, calls for justice grow louder. The EACC’s pursuit of legal action aims to hold those responsible accountable and recover the misappropriated public funds.
