Senior gov’t officials want to steal money for sick Kenyans - Health CS Susan Nakhumicha

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has warned that the ongoing fight against corruption in her ministry will not spare any government officials implicated in graft scandals.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday during the launch of EACC's report on Corruption and Unethical Conduct in Kenyan Healthcare Projects, CS Nakhumicha disclosed that her initial attempts to have EACC investigate malpractices at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) were met with resistance by some high-ranking officials within her ministry.

EACC is currently investigating irregularities in the awarding of a tender for the procurement of anti-mosquito nets at KEMSA.

The unmasking of the alleged procurement scandal has seen President William Ruto sack Dr. Josephine Mburu as the PS for Public Health and Professional Standards.

Ruto also revoked the appointments of the Chairperson and Members of the Board of Directors of KEMSA which was responsible for the flawed procurement process.

KEMSA CEO Terry Ramadhani, alongside eight other MoH officials, have also been suspended.

"Last week on Thursday, immediately after the release of that report, I wrote a letter to EACC asking them to come and investigate. When I spoke to EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak on Monday to inquire whether he had received my letter, he said he hadn't," said Nakhumicha.

"That is how corruption fights back in this country. EACC is only a few metres away from my office but by Monday the letter had still not arrived. Thankfully Mbarak told me that he has since deployed his officers to investigate the scandal."

Nakhumicha went on to state that there are senior government officials who want to steal money meant for sick Kenyans further noting that she isn't one to let such misconduct slide.

"There are people in this country who are hell-bent to enrich themselves on the backs of patients money. This is very shameful. Very shameful and I'm not going to allow it."

On his part, EACC Chairperson David Oginde added that the anti-graft watchdog is currently conducting investigations into the KEMSA scandal further noting that the agency will leave no stone unturned.

"We have a whole investigative department that is looking into the scandal. They will look at what exactly happened at KEMSA and who were involved," he said.

"Suspects will be invited for interviews and we'll forward the names of those found culpable to the DPP for further action."