Former Acting Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer Robert Ingasira has been arrested in connection with a Ksh17.5 million fraud scandal that has rocked Kenya’s health sector. He was among nine suspects nabbed by detectives as authorities move to dismantle a network accused of siphoning funds through fake medical claims.
Highlights:
- Former SHA CEO Robert Ingasira arrested in Naivasha over Ksh17.5M fraudulent claims.
- Ex-CEO Elijah Wachira also wanted by authorities.
- Fraud linked to Archprime Medical Clinic in Homa Bay and Vebeneza Clinic in Nairobi.
- Suspects face charges including conspiracy to defraud and abuse of office.
- EACC intensifies crackdown on corruption within Kenya’s health institutions.
Main Story:
Nine Arrested in Health Fund Fraud Case
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday arrested former Acting SHA boss Robert Ingasira alongside eight others in connection with fraudulent medical claims amounting to Ksh17,591,473. The arrest followed investigations into irregular payments made by the Social Health Authority through fake clinics allegedly used to siphon funds.
How the Fraud Worked
According to investigators, Archprime Medical Clinic in Homa Bay County made the Ksh17.5 million claim that triggered the arrests. Another group, linked to Vebeneza Enterprise Medical Clinic in Nairobi, allegedly received Ksh1.1 million through similar fraudulent means.
Key Suspects and Charges
Ingasira was arrested in Naivasha, while others including Rosemary Daraja, Peter Abuna, Justus Odhiambo Ouma, and Vera Atieno Otieno were apprehended in separate operations. The suspects face several charges: conspiracy to defraud, misappropriation of funds under the Social Health Insurance Act, and abuse of office.
EACC also confirmed that former SHA CEO Elijah Wachira is being sought for his alleged involvement in the fraudulent claims.
Anti-Graft Agencies Tighten the Net
The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of corruption within public health systems following the transition from NHIF to SHA. Authorities say more arrests are expected as investigations widen to cover other clinics implicated in fraudulent claims.
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As more names emerge in the SHA scandal, Kenyans are demanding one thing accountability. Will this be the case that finally restores trust in Kenya’s public health system?
